Troubleshooting the Starter

[gcrowl]

My starter does not move. I did the test suggested in the Bentley manual of measuring voltage at terminal 50 on the starter and the voltage would average at 10.8V when the key was turned as to start. Measuring the voltage of the battery terminals produces 12.3V. I think I have a bad starter mainly since my daughter has just learned to drive with a stick and she had to start the car many many times (OK now). Please let me know if I am on the right track.

The car is up on the jacks. I cannot see the bolts holding the starter on. I expect it will be a blind removal with long extensions. Taking the manifold off may make the starter removal a lot easier but it is worth the extra work. Appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks
Greg in Norther IL

[gcrowl]

We did a push start to get the car going and drop it off at the local BMW indepandant serive station for what I thought would be a starter replacement. I tried starting the car at the drop off location and it worked?? So I tried it again and the engine just turned over but started. Looks like it may be a battery life issue - going to replace it today as I just noticed it is 4.5 years old. I should have checked that first as I would have replaced it anyway with the winter coming. Live and learn. Hope it solves the starting problems and I get to keep $400 in the wallet. At least I learned there is great info on the 318ti.org forum!

[Sergey]

Your problem sounds like a discharged battery. 12.3V at the battery is low, should be 12.6V.

Regards,
Sergey.