I have a 2002 BMW X5 4.4 that makes a "zing" noise every other time I start it. It is the same sound that a car makes when you try to start it when it's already started/running. What causes this? Check engine light hasn't come on yet. Has this happened to anyone out there?

you have a over running starter. replacement is in hand

Thanks! The starter is the obvious place to look but I was wondering if anyone had this issue. I will replace it and post a reply and let everyone know if that was it.

Make sure you check the flywheel teeth, too.

Started to replace the starter a couple of days ago and now I am in DIY pergatory. I have the TIS programs, but the instructions are far off. I have noticed why the dealership charges your first born child to replace a starter. This is absolutely rediculous. Everything in is the way of everything else. I was able to get down to one last, un-reachable bolt. It is tucket way up into the tranny and can not be seen, only touched, the top bolt holding the starter in place. I can work one hand through a maze of components and grab it with my fingers. I can fit a torx socket onto it but no combination of wrenches, extensions, swivels (Oh my!) can reach the damn thing. The top bolt holding the starter in place was designed to torment any fool trying to replace a starter in an X5. I have searched high and low and can not find a diy on this. Any secrets to this? Is this the part where Satan pops up from under the transmission and offers to remove the bolt if I sell him my soul?

Wtf!!!!!!!

I have a 2003 X5 4.6 that makes the same noise. I have not experienced and issues of then hearing the noise, but the BMW dealer here (not a great one) doesnt seem to think there is an issue. In fact they claim to not have been able to reproduce the issue at there service location. Im taking a watchful waiting approach.

bump