E36 starter troubles

[danieljames]

Hi fanatics. As the subject states, I'm having some stater issues.. I drive a 95 E36 325i (M50B25 motor) I recently started having starter probs. Sometimes she swings cleanly. Other times I hear the solenoid/abendix click once and then nothing. Some times the starter motor swings freely but no kick from the abendix. After a few times trying to swing the I'll get her started but she gives a "lazy" swing with this procedure. I've replaced the solenoid already and given the motor a good clean out. The brushes are in fair condition and the starter armature checks out fine. Is there perhaps any relays or something that could be faulty? Do u guys suspect wiring? I haven't had the battery checked yet but that's only a year old now. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

*I love my E36!*

 

[Ralf*]

most of your symptoms of
1)Bendix spinning but not going forward to engage
2)Click click click
3)Very sluggish "Lazy" turn-over

all sound like either
1)Loose battery terminal creating lots of resistance when under high load

or

2)Battery very poor, even though only a year old, could have a dead or dying cell


essentially there is either not enough "power" in the battery to engage and turn the starter...or...some of the voltage from a supposed good battery is not getting to the starter motor due to broken wire (causing high resistance) or shorting out onto the bodywork somewhere.

 

[danieljames]

Thanks Ralf. I know the battery terminals are sound so I guess having the battery tested is the next step

*I love my E36!*

 

[danieljames]

So I've had the battery check and its all good. I did a volt drop test with a digital multimeter...

Checking the voltage from the heavy red cable on the starter to a good earth on the motor. While cranking the voltage drops from 12.6v to 9.8v....
Any idea on what would be causing this?

*I love my E36!*

 

[Gizmo]

Ignition switch is on its way out, I had the same issue on my white e36. Fixed it by fitting a relay and push-button start.:thumbs:

 

[danieljames]

Thanks gizmo. My father suggested a push button start aswell. Thanks for all the advice fanatics

*I love my E36!*

 

[danieljames]

So I've had the starter serviced. When I start her in the morning she starts first time. If I stop at the shop/garage(well wherever) and try and start again, then the starter motor swings but no engine start. After a lot of frustration she eventually gets going. Any ideas fanatics? Seeing as I can't find anything about installing a relay that everyone speaks about on the interweb.

*I love my E36!*