Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll
Given that the 12-tooth would spin the motor faster but with less torque than the 9-tooth, and you have a diesel, I'd guess that the diesel models use the 9-tooth and the petrol models use the 12-tooth.  |
Logic on the torque vs. # of teeth makes perfect sense. But I'll add that the starter in my 2001 3.0i (US, gasoline version) seems to be completely different from this, rather than the same thing with a different pinion gear. Mine is a Bosch.
So, NOT for the 3.0d, but for my 3.0i:
Part numbers: BMW 12-41-7-501-738 (although on the original part itself, next to the BMW logo, it says 7 501 668 ???). Bosch PN: SR-0474-N. On the starter shell itself (original, with a 2001 date on it, made in Germany): Bosch 0 001 108 190. Photo below.
So yeah, even with the original part in hand, sometimes numbers don't exactly match with what they "should" be. I don't have any pics of my pinion gear (not that it would really help on a 3.0d), but somehow I remember it having 9 teeth.
When I had everything apart earlier this year, I inspected and cleaned things up and replaced the brushes assembly in it (4 brushes still had about 70% life left in them at 186k miles, so it was definitely an optional repair I did). That starter is a beast, much like just about everything else I came across on this engine.
