Bmw e46 M3 starting issue

[AveshanM3]

Hi guys

My Bmw e46 M3 suddenly stopped starting any other e46 M3 owners experienced this i have replaced the battery with a bosch battery about 8 months back but now when you turn the key the starter is not cranking car jus makes a clicking noise could it be faulty alternator or starter ?

 

[Xack]

Hi guys

My Bmw e46 M3 suddenly stopped starting any other e46 M3 owners experienced this i have replaced the battery with a bosch battery about 8 months back but now when you turn the key the starter is not cranking car jus makes a clicking noise could it be faulty alternator or starter ?

Oh yes, ive had this experience, turn the key it would click click click, start after 6-7 clicks.... also thought it was the battery and I can assure you its not. Bad starter solenoid probably, I tried to take my starter off but one bolt wouldn't budge, so I gave up. Put everything together,intake plenum etc. then she starts again no problem,lol....After a while the clicking starts again. So at the end of Nov, I stripped everything again, took a spanner and knocked my solenoid a bit and clean the power cables, she been starting on first turn ever since. As soon as I get some time buy some proper tools, or my bro Spiro got some free time, the starter is coming out.

 

[325iSmk2]

Starter.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Faulty starter solenoid.

Disconnect battery
Remove air plenum
Jack car up
Remove starter bolts from under the car (2x E-Torx bolts)
Change starter solenoid