BMW 524td cold start

This is my 524td. I live in MN where the winters are brutal. This clip is an example of some of the cold start issues I am having during the winter. When it's really cold the engine only makes that spinning noise you'll hear at the end of each start attempt. I don't know if this is a starter issue or what. Here is what I know: The glow plugs are fine. The starter was tested last fall at a local Checker and was given a clean bill of health.

Any suggestions for troubleshooting this issue would GREATLY be appreciated!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• BMW 524td
• 524td
• turbo diesel
• diesel
• cold start

[Redneckbeemerguy]

Mine did the same thing,right now,once it does engage,it turns the motor slow,as in so slow I could do it as fast myself with a ratchet.. HEY HOW THE HECK DID YOU GET THE STARTER OUT?? I can't get mine out,so the car is sitting in the yard doing nothing but wasting away.

[adamrudolph]

I used a socket and extension. It's tough to get out, but not as tough as getting it back in and tightened up. :)

[adamrudolph]

Thanks for reply. I took the starter to a local Checker Auto Parts and it tested out fine. The soleniod was engaging during the bench test. Could it be a power issue? Or is the bench test not valid?

[chosen1atWork]

mine was some corrosion on a terminal.. once i got the starter off i got it cleaned up and it worked for another 2 months 8) the starter is tricky, have to use extentions and removed some of the water lines to get to it. I forget the size, but if you get a large boxed end wrench and bend it around (about 80 degrees you can use it to hold the nuts on the back while you tighten the bolts back in... nice to have to take them off, too

[5thgear23]

Sounds like the starter solenoid isn't working properly, or the flywheel is missing some teeth. Put the car in gear and roll it back a bit to turn the flywheel to a new spot and see if the problem persists. If so, then the starter is probably faulty.

[Nza420]

@adamrudolph if you put the lock washer at the head of the bolt instead of with the nut, the washer will dig into the bell housing and help you tighten the nut..

[Niederbayerncoustoms]

HI

your magneto switch of the starter or the teeth of the flywel are damaged!

greets

[engineer387]

I agree, the starter will prob need service exchange go independant (not from bmw dealer though EXPENSIVE!) second hand an option, but if it is faulty or developes a fault you wont want to tackle it again!

[1tristan1henderson]

it's could be an issue with the flywheel. Either its moved/warped or it's teeth are ground. If not check all the electrical system from the ignition down to the glow relay and starter for shorts. Good luck.

[1tristan1henderson]

Is the car standard or automatic?