Starter Problem someone help!!!

[rochadeb126]

New to forum happy to find such a great resource! Problem - my 1995 325i has been in the shop (2 different shops) 4 times in a 2 month period, today making it a total of five times. The starters that have been replaced continue to go out, the car starts as if its going to stay on but as soon as I let got of the key it dies out. If I continue to try this the lights will dim and eventually will not even turn over. I was advised by 1st shop that because two starters had gone bad after being installed they would replace the 2nd under warranty but would not re warranty it until I had the veh.s electrical system checked. I called the initial shop after I had the veh. towed to 2nd shop of choice, thinking surely it wouldnt be the starter. When 2nd shop advised bad starter had been put into veh. I told them to go ahead and just fix the prob. and that I would settle with 1st shop later for reimbursment of deffected starter. Second shop completed work and 2 days later starter went out again had veh. towed repaired under the warranty. Today same thing occured. Shop advised have veh. towed again and advised they would replace starter again and if it went out they would reimbuse me for what has been pd. to them! I advised them I didnt want to be reimbursed I am needing my veh. fixed and need them to find out what is causing this, they said they would look at your car and let me know if we can do that otherwise we will just replace and reimburse when it happens again! Unbelivable . . .ready to scream I just want my car to run!!!
http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile_pray.gif

 

[Doughnut]

I see you have been though quite a thing with these mechanics, sounds so stupid that the starter motors keep stuffing up.
If i were having a look at your car I'd check voltage at the starter solenoid and check power from the remote wire too.
How does the car run? Can you roll down a hill and clutch start it?
How long has it been since the car was running? Is/was it over heating?
Could be that your motor could be creating the problem (slight engine seizure could lead to your burning out starters)

 

[MMLJTIGER]

Bad Starter?

Hi there,

Have you every had trouble w/your ignition switch? From what i understand, the car starts w/key in "start" pos. and when released to the "on " pos, it dies?
If that's so I'd have the vehicle's ignition switch and/or anti theft systems checked.
Just some speculation.

Hope this helps,
Tiger