starter failure bulletin

[shogun]

BMW Starters
September, 1998

Technicians should be aware that repeated starter failure on almost all
BMW built between 1984-1994 is due to a bad or sticking ignition switch
assembly. The vehicles affected are E30, E32, E34 and E36 which for those
who may not be familiar with BMW designation means any vehicle from 318I
to 850 CSI.

Service bulletin 120393 (3824) dated May 1995 outlines the problem
requiring the replacement of the ignition lock cylinder, ignition switch and the
starter. Additionally a special starter protection relay has been developed that
should be wired into the starting system.

Check with the BMW dealers because some of these are a (free-of-
charge) fix if the vehicle qualifies.


Source: Electrical Connection
11/98

Found it on this website
http://www.genco1.com/tech_tip_details.cfm?id=32

[pingu]

Thanks shogun - useful info.

Although when I was having starter trouble (the engine often wouldn't crank when hot), it wasn't the ignition switch (had that replaced - waste of £200), or the fusible link (had that replaced as soon as I got the car) or the starter motor (still on the same starter).

[genphreak]

Thanks shogun - useful info.

Although when I was having starter trouble (the engine often wouldn't crank when hot), it wasn't the ignition switch (had that replaced - waste of £200), or the fusible link (had that replaced as soon as I got the car) or the starter motor (still on the same starter).

I heard that it is only for manual trans cars... could be heresay tho.