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Strange problem:
my engine refuses to start. Battery is loaded, no loss I can think of. When I turn the key all the electronics work, I can hear the fuel pump running, but the starter motor remains dead. If you insist, initially it will start. No problem there, quickly and on all of its 4 cylinders. The weird thing is, once you got it to start, you can start it without any problems. Is it the starter motor that is nearing the end of it's life?

PS: I tried S14.net, found out that a lot of their M3's have starting problems but no similar problems. I was also wondering: do they run 14V batteries?

First of all... they do run on 12V batteries but a full battery will produce close to 14V.

If the engine doesn't crank at all it is likely the starter motor needs a rebuild. But... it could be a bad electrical connection as well... the wires to the starter motor and the engine ground cable. And maybe the main power supply socket on the firewall behind the coolant tank.

Another thing to check... the ignition switch (the other side of the ignition lock) but that's less likely.

To find out if it's the starter motor, if she wont start put the car in 5th and push her for maybe 10-20 cms and try again. If she starts right away it's the starter motor (one of the brushes making a bad connection).

Thanks J.,
I'll give it a try. It's a darn shame, since otherwise the car runs perfectly well.

A small hiccup.. that's all. It happens... but nothing horrible! Just needs a little search that's a pity.

Tried and (unfortunately) true. Didn't start, pit it 5th, little movement, started again and the car started straight away. So now we know. Thanks Jeroen

Well if you remove the air accumulator (the box that says 'BMW M Power') together with the first part if the intake (the trumpets) you have all the room in the world to get to it...

I've got two left hands and one very expensive engine. Tempting, but I think I'm going to leave this to more experienced people

Nothing to it dude, cant damage anything, save yourself money and whack it out...

OR buy me the airline ticket ill come over and do it for freeee...


Regards

Jimi

I mighty fine offer. I'll take it into consideration

Orrrrrrrr get yourself an overhauled example, maybe an overhaul kit, pick up Gerrit on your way and drive over here... not at Le Mans though as I'm not planning to bring my tools and spare parts

I wanne help, If you want.
Buy a rebuilt kit or another one and come over here in a week-end
I have the tools (and a left and a right hand)
to help you.

Thank you Ronny,
I think I might just do that. I'll let you know, but first I'm off to Le Mans. Enjoy your weekend

JoD wrote:Thank you Ronny,
I think I might just do that. I'll let you know, but first I'm off to Le Mans. Enjoy your weekend

Whow Le Mans
i wish i could go also
Take a picture from the Corvette's if you want
Enjoy your weekend

Thought I let you all know, my IS is up and running again. After a check, the battery didn't deliver enough power on startup. So we now changed the battery and it runs fine. There seems to be a small problem with the alternator, in that it insufficiently charges the battery. But with a new battery, so far there have been no further problems.
If anyone is in need of a spare starter motor, just let me know, I have it ready

Glad to hear things are solved now! I might be interested in the starter motor. Is it new, overhauled, plain used? Friend of mine has one that doesn't respond every now and then...