2005 e53 3.0 d - sluggish start - starter or IVM?

Google44 · #1 09-10-2014, 10:20 AM

Hi

I've got a problem where the starter motor does not spin the engine as it should. It always starts but you always think it is not going to as engine is span very slowly. I've read elsewhere that it is usualy starter motor or IVM (battery is defo OK)

Is there a way to be sure before I comit myself for second hand starter? I've messure the Amp on crank taken by starter and it is around 400 A. That sounds a lot. The starter is made by DENSO pn 7788680.

thanks

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sv1cec · #2 09-10-2014, 12:02 PM

What is IVM?

My starter motor started making a weird sound back in August. Luckily, I was in Ukraine, 40€ later it was removed, fully rebuild and reinstalled. If I was in Greece, I would probably have paid about 400€.

Google44 · #3 09-11-2014, 10:27 AM

Thanks for replies. It is defo slower then friend X5 next to it. It start after a few spins but them few spins should be in a few secs. I can count the revs of starter.

I will try the second hand starter. Apparently, same fault is on 7 series with same part number 7788680. 400A defo taken when spec claims around 180. So it could be only the starter. I can see previous owner put a large 110Ah battery to address the issue.

omodos · #4 01-20-2015, 04:45 AM

Hey fella, did swapping the starter solve your issue with sluggish start? and was the sluggish start worse in the cold? I did some digging around and the draw should not be over 180a when engaging starter, excuse my ignorance you said you measured 400amps, how?

If you battery checks out and charging system too then that leaves the starter I guess...

3.0d battery/slow starting problem?? Read on pls

Google44 · #5 01-20-2015, 05:29 PM

I had a clamp meter around battery feed which showed over 400 A on crank. Replaced starter motor and all OK now.

Thanks

omodos · #6 01-21-2015, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Google44

I had a clamp meter around battery feed which showed over 400 A on crank. Replaced starter motor and all OK now.

Thanks

Thanks for reply will get this test done at a car electrician, don't have an amp clamp or a meter that can read that high alas, just curious when they do this test do they wrap clamp around battery cable and just startup car? finding more and more of these results

https://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/vie...&f=24&t=122139

deepblonde · #7 09-04-2015, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Google44

I had a clamp meter around battery feed which showed over 400 A on crank. Replaced starter motor and all OK now.

Thanks

Did you replace the starter motor yourself? Was it difficult, any tips on how to go about it?
What brand Starter motor did you use to replace ?

Google44 · #8 09-04-2015, 11:20 AM

Yes, needs to be done under the car. Very easy. Disconnect the main supply under the bonnet in top right corner. After that remove all plastic at the bottom - hardest bit. You got then 2-3 bolts on starter and cables at the back.

I think starter must have 11 tooth. Try it out before you fit it in. it has to spin easy. You will see the difference to the one you remove. My old one did not want to spin on small battery at all! it felt like it was in short!

Good luck

Lamby · #9 10-21-2016, 09:30 AM

Hi - Also have a very slow to start X5, poss 5-6 revolutions before it leaps into life. I have done a amp draw test and I its pulling will over 450, not the recommended 180. I will get a new starter and fit it.

Can I ask, I know that BMW upgraded the starter in 2005. I believe they went from Denso to Bosch? Is this correct? I am based out of London so I will go to EuroCarParts for a new starter.

StephenVA · #10 10-21-2016, 09:39 AM

Starter draw in AMPs

Should be under 250 AMPS period. Anything over 200 is either bushings going bad or it is trying to compress water.

Note: Gas engine.
Oil burners will always be a higher amp reading (50-60 amps) due to compression differences.

You can read the draw at either the starter or at the battery as the source is the battery at engine off/starter engaged.

All you need is have all of the ground wires leading from the battery terminal inside the amp gauge clamp. At the starter you need the LARGE wire inside the clamp and then set the meter to amps DC voltage. Pull the fuel pump relay and Crank for 15 secs and read the stored number. Highest is the number you need. SIMPLE.

Youtube video example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2nPHWNoDSA

NOTE: This test requires a fully charged battery battery to be an effective test.

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