Hey Brother BMW nuts.
I have a 1987 635 CSi. I am in the middle of doing a engine
beautification project. This is what I have planned so far:
Complete new cooling system, radiator , hoses, everything.

I also have a new intake manifold that I have painted in wrinkle black.
It is going to sport a new set of Mustang fuel injectors.

While I have the manifold off that is a good time to look at the starter.
Very easy access. My starter sometimes gets locked up and the starter drive will not engage the flywheel. Try a few times and it finally gets
engaged.
Here is my question, should I get mine rebuilt or just replace?
I understand there is a "small" starter for the M30 engine.

What is it and how much and where to get one?

The car is well tuned up so just a touch of the key and its going fine.

What are your recommendations?

They are pretty affordable from BMW. I'd buy one from the dealer. 2 year warranty.

They are pretty affordable from BMW. I'd buy one from the dealer. 2 year warranty.

Define affordable!
standard or the compact version?

Std. Bosch Reman. - $88 from AutoHausAz.com with free shipping, (Bosch Ultimate Protection Plan Exclusive 24 Month Towing - 1-year replacement warranty, 2-year roadside assistance.)

I think it was Klaus that had a thread on his engine rebuild and showed the "compact" starter he used. Try and search here or on BC

https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/SR442X.jpg

Std. Bosch Reman. - $88 from AutoHausAz.com with free shipping, (Bosch Ultimate Protection Plan Exclusive 24 Month Towing - 1-year replacement warranty, 2-year roadside assistance.)

I think it was Klaus that had a thread on his engine rebuild and showed the "compact" starter he used. Try and search here or on BC

https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/SR442X.jpg


The compact starter is actually a BOSCH SR441X 1.7kw starter, listed for a 91-93 M5. Prices are somewhere around $120-140 plus core, the last 3-4 I bought were actually new starters made in Spain, no recycled parts involved. I usually end up just returning the standard size one as a core, it fits perfect in the box and I never had a problem doing so.

Here is a picture with the starter installed on my M90, sure makes it easy to get to the mounting bolts:

http://dfkiaw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pp3HHbRKNTeXjeWgOkuA-XENZXWeQo4z9Hrf9iqDjF2jxYnot6tRfDkSfO-VGHrGeA-LGiiEzmTk3XKv5q009Bg/M90_starter.JPG

Hope this helps,

Klaus

Interesting color choice on the block. I did the same when I did an engine rebuild on one of my old e30's. Could have swore I picked up a few H.P.

Doing a starter with the intake on is about the most fun you can have on a 6. I would either go with the smaller starter or have yours rebuilt by a reputable rebuilder.

What were the pro's of going with the newer "compact" starter?

What were the pro's of going with the newer "compact" starter?
Well, I think the biggest gain is the relative ease of getting to the mounting bolts. If you have ever done one of the big M30 starters with the intake manifold in place you will appreciate the extra clearance of the compact starter.

The compact starter is also way more powerful then the original style starter, being rated at 1.7 kW compared to the standard 1.3 kW. This basically translates to faster cranking and easier starting, assuming your battery and charging system are in good shape.

Klaus

Define affordable!
standard or the compact version?

$184.00 retail.........
Standard version.

I was just looking at real oem and there are 3 part #'s for starters, 2 are 1.5kw and 1 is 1.3kw. Also in the blow-up they show 2 brush holders but only one brush in use. I have found this before in Bosch units. The last one I had rebuilt the shop installed the 2nd brush. Made me feel better!

I got my new rebuilt starter.
I took some pictures of the old next to the new.
The old one look ( and feels) a lot more
heavy duty. Is the new unit a direct replacement?
Is the old starter factory original?
Will the new starter work on a stock engine?

Looks like I'm on the hunt for one of these slimmer starters too.


Local parts store said they have a reman w/lifetime warranty for $90 (635csi starter.. didnt specify a 91-93 M5)

real oem seems to state a 535 e34 and 735 e32 will also use this starter (rmfd)


guess I'll find out if its the slim one here in a bit..


and I'll tell you.. it's really sad when you have a bitch of a time getting the thing off when the engine is out of the car and on an engine stand(I have an extra engine from a 633).. makes me really look foward to taking the one off thats in the car .

I got my new rebuilt starter.
I took some pictures of the old next to the new.
The old one look ( and feels) a lot more
heavy duty. Is the new unit a direct replacement?
Is the old starter factory original?
Will the new starter work on a stock engine?

Just out of curiosity,what were the Bosch part numbers on the two starters?

Just out of curiosity,what were the Bosch part numbers on the two starters?



klaus said above


The compact starter is actually a BOSCH SR441X 1.7kw starter, listed for a 91-93 M5. Prices are somewhere around $120-140 plus core, the last 3-4 I bought were actually new starters made in Spain, no recycled parts involved. I usually end up just returning the standard size one as a core, it fits perfect in the box and I never had a problem doing so.


Hope this helps,

Klaus


not sure what the orig. starter # is






I just got back from the Orielly and what they had for me was the fat starter.. I passed on it and had them look up a '91 535i starter and the picture they had looked just like the compact starter.

So I've started over.. 120 for a reman/lifetime unit for the 535 that is in stock.

EDIT-

checked with autohauz and they are 130 +core.. so you're out shipping the core to them on top of it all.. plus it's not a lifetime warranty and if it did need replaced, you'd be out shipping again

well I got the slimmer starter for a '91 535

got it home and test fitted it on the engine on the stand and it bolts on in a matter of no time at all.. you can actually get a socket on the bolts now. :redspot

Only thing I have to do is change the wire terminal/connector for the solenoid.. this slim starter's solenoid terminals are much thinner and not as long.. the original wire will fit on it, but it's not a proper fit.

Is this a true 1.7kw starter? I'm not sure.. but ya know.. it sure looks like the same starter my e36 has on it. I've got an extra e36 starter laying around and if it's a close match, I'll take pics of them side by side.. even see if the e36 starter mounts the 633 engine.


I'll probably get this on in the next few days.. I'm pooped and dont need to put it on right away.. but thankfully I didnt have to pay for a tow last night when it acted up at the grocery store parking lot.. it started up just before the tow truck came and I managed to cancel it and get home... I think I woulda paid close to the starter price in tow fees if I had.


man I sure am glad I remember seeing this thread.. if I hadnt, I probably would have ended up putting the fat POS back on.