Starter motor won't turn off- can it be fixed or throw away?

[John 535is (Sydney)]

The solenoid on the starter appears to not be engaging correctly, so after withdrawing the key, the starter motor is still spinning without engaging. If you give it a (gentle) thump with a non genuine tool (steel bar) it stops and, with some luck everything works the next time starting is attempted. Can the starter motors be easily repaired or is a replacement part easier?

John 535is Sydney - 1989 (M30) Alpine white, black recaro, HIOP, Bilstien, EAT, 17" BBS.

[632 Regal]

I personally would get a replacement starter, never can tell when it will leave you stranded.

[John 535is (Sydney)]

Yep- I intend on getting it fixed, for some reason seeing the hood up on a BMW with the owner hitting something inside the engine bay with a steal pole is amusing to other drivers. Go figure!

I was just wondering if its something simple or not worth trying to dismantle.

Sorry to read about the damage to your car.

John 535is

[632 Regal]

I dont know whats available on your side of the pond. Do a little research on who has a better rebuild rating, wouldnt want to do this more than one time.

[Phil Sanderson]

is the same unit as used in a Mitsubishi Magna (early model). Much cheaper to buy from Mitsubishi Dealer than BMW Dealer I'm told, but you maybe can get your one repaired.

Phil

[632 Regal]

I dont know whats available on your side of the pond. Do a little research on who has a better rebuild rating, wouldnt want to do this more than one time.

[winfred]

could be some rust or clutch dust crudding it up, the solonoid is really just a piston in a bore surounded with a coil

[John 535is (Sydney)]

Thanks Winfred, I'll take it off and try to blow some air through it.

John

[John 535is (Sydney)]

is the same unit as used in a Mitsubishi Magna (early model). Much cheaper to buy from Mitsubishi Dealer than BMW Dealer I'm told, but you maybe can get your one repaired.

Phil

[ryan roopnarine]

if you have a TIS cd, there are step by step picture instructions for starter rebuilding on it for an e34.....you might just need to lube the solenoid and be OK with it.