M44 intermittent starting problem

[markslc1]

98ti with an M44.

Issue: intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it starts on the first try. Other times it may take 20x before it will start. I recorded this video of the sounds it makes when the issue arises. Plenty of battery power, but it wont crank normally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bcepFrHeqI

YES that is a CAI in there, but this happens with the stock airbox as well. Please have a listen and give me your opinions on the possible causes. The car always ends up starting. But it can take a while, and doesn't seem to depend on weather conditions.

[friendlyjoe]

for your starter, which will soon be Visiting Elvis. My dealer just quoted me $605 to replace the starter. Mine is doing the exact same thing. DIY looks like a fun-free zone that includes removal of both the upper and lower intake manifolds, and the acquisition of what I think is an offset Torx E12 wrench to remove the starter bolts. Going in from the bottom doesn't look like a particularly rewarding exercise, either. The Bentley manual suggests that you can simply "remove top and bottom starter bolts" and pull down on the starter, rotating until the solenoid is on top, then remove". Big laughs over here when third-party manuals casually instruct you to remove a couple of bolts while neglecting to mention that you need to maybe conscript the help of every tool & die plant in a tri-state area to move unrelated hardware out of the way first. Anyway, brace yourself for some character building. To say that the starter is inconveniently located is today's understatement.
Good luck!

[1996 328ti]

Don't know how much this will help.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20555

If you do tackle it yourself that would be a good time to clean the intake manifold and ICV.
Probably replace all the vacuum hoses while you have it apart.

[bazar01]

I don't think it s a starter issue. It cranks but just does not fire.

You need to check
1. Spark presence
2. Fuel pressure
3. compression

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

I had the exact same issue and it was the starter. The bendix gear is damaged or the solenoid that engages the bendix is bad. A new/used starter is needed. I prefer new/reman over a used one due to the time needed to change the starter.

It is not a hard job just takes time. I think the KB has some good write ups to guide you through the process.

Best of luck