Starter going out?

[Jand3rson]

On my wife's 89 325i, when you start it, about 70% of the time it will make this really annoying, high pitched screeching/squealing noise. The other night when she went to start it, it just made the noise and the car did not start until the 3rd turn of the key. I wish I could describe it better, this is all I've got. It sounds to me like the sound a starter makes when it's going out. Any ideas?

[Jon325i]

It sounds like its on the way out. I had some starter issues earlier this year on my '89 325i. The problem with my starter stemmed from the solenoid not engaging the gear to the flywheel everytime you turned the key. Sometimes it would take a few tries....other times it started right up.

Get it fixed soon before your wife calls for a tow.

Jon

[BMW BMXER]

Its like a REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE noise right?


My car does that everyonce and awhile.

[Jordan]

yeah, the starter solinoid isnt pushing the starter gear into mesh with the flywheel. thats all.