BMW X5 3.0D 2002 (53) intermittent crank issue.

[Andreasmzk]

Hey folks, firstly thanks for being such rockstars on this site! Most of the time you folks have better advice than the agents - massive kudos!

My lady has an E53 3.0d X5, and it recently developed a strange issue that I can't seem to figure out. When she swings the ignition, instead of cranking, it'll sometimes give this strange whining noise (without starting). Other times, it'll start with a crank and then fall back to this weird whine...if you hold the ignition long enough, the crank will eventually return and the vehicle will start, but it feels unhealthy. It will usually take a few tries before she just starts up as expected without cranking issues - it happens whether she's warm or cold, and is becoming more of a consistent issue. I know I've butchered this explanation somewhat, it's difficult to describe, so I took a video which I'm guessing I can upload if needed. I also scanned the various forums, but couldn't find anything like this, only the common fuel pump issue.
Any advice would be awesome, TIA.

[upallnight]

Sounds like the bendix on the starter is on the way out. You need to have the starter replaced or rebuilt.

[Andreasmzk]

Camping atm so poor signal, I'll give it a go. Any quick/temp fixes you can recommend? Thanks again!

[upallnight]

If you can tap the starter with a hammer, that may unstick the Bendix.