Non Starting 325i

[freddie]

i have come into position of a 1989 325i with a few problems.

6 months ago the engine was left running and overheated. i hope the electronics switched it off before any major damage was done as the engine still turns over by hand, but the car will no longer start.

to test the starter and solenoid i need to remove them from the car but it seems a real awkward job. has anyone removed a starter from one of these before and can shed some light on how to best get at it?


any tips on where to look next if the starter\solenoid are working??

[njtech]

Freddie,

you can check the starter in the car.
Remove the intake hose and you will gain access the starter. Make sure you have power the the heavy cable, and then put your test light to the S terminal(small wire) crank the engine you should have power there. If you need to replace the starter.... it is a little awkward but with a little paitience it's pretty straight forward. The bolts are not threaded into the starter they have nuts on the back. HTH

Steve

[freddie]

thanks Steve,

doesn't the solenoid provide power to the starter once it's been triggered?

as you turn the ignition key to position 3, simply nothing happens. there is no noise from the solenoid to indicate it's operating.
my understanding (may be very wrong) is that when you turn the key, it triggers the solenoid into position which then provides power to the starter.

if i was to put power directly to the motor it should spin right? i assume 2 of the 4 wires on the starter are for power. if that's the case, what are the other 2 for??