Starter Motor alternatives- choose carefully

[yzf1070]

Gents a quick warning. Many probably are aware that the BMW 3 series mk 3 starters are reported as a useful alternative to the TVR starter. A couple years ago when my then 6 month old TVR Car Parts replacement starter decided to fall apart I was desperate for a replacement (ringing round - none in stock). I popped along to the local scrappy and purchased a good looking second hand item marked up as a BMW 3 series Mk3. It fitted without any mods and has been in use since. Last week whilst car in for the MOT, starter failed. Upon further investigation the starter drive gear is chewed up. Gearbox off and the flywheel ring gear is chewed up. Seems the 2 gears were only part way engaging. An expensive lesson for me as my flywheel is a bespoke item made up for the Superclutch.
The BMW starter was a far superior build quality to the aftermarket TVR item I had previously fitted (a lot heavier too). However this lesson goes to prove that selection of such second hand components is not as straight forward as one might think.

[PascalBuyens]

Ouch

[slowtypa]

Our Sag was fitted with a Bosch manufactured starter as fitted to a BMW 3 series from new.

Could your problem be more with the new flywheel than the starter?

PS Post up the number on the starter and I will check to see if it was actually from a BMW 3 series.

Edited by slowtypa on Monday 14th September 13:41

[Buffoon]

If you are replacing starter, fit one of the BMW M5 starters as per thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Fitted without drama on the cerb and never looked back

[yzf1070]

Thank guys,
Unfortunately I am out of the UK and the car is in getting repaired. I think it is likely to be a case of the starter not being the correct one, but also highly likely the flywheel being a poor match as well. The fellas sorting it are good they have fixed just about everything else that was problematic on the car.

Cheers
G