Starter problems? (RESOLVED NOW)
 

Ive just fitted a Starter Motor to my 2002 x5 3.0i, Its the second starter ive received from a parts shop,
The Problem I have is After its all fitted and I connect the New Battery
The Starter motor Runs Constantly? No Keys! Not Cranking the Engine! Just the Motor part running??
I'm totally Stumped I tested the second starter before I fitted it this time And it worked as it should,
Any Help would be great,

There's a starter relay (in addition to the solenoid on the starter, two different things) mounted in the engine computer box in the engine bay. If it sticks closed, starter would probably do this. It's a gray-green relay (standard BMW size).

If the starter is running, but the engine is not cranking, sound like a starter solenoid bendix problem.

The OP said he had the starter tested. I think the Solenoid should be ok if the test was done right.

Of course, if you put the battery cable to the solenoid connection it will run all the time. Guess checking the cable connections would be first on my list

He had the Second starter tested but not the first.

I see that now. Its a little open to interpretation as to what happened with the second one.

OP - please clarify - did you have the second starter tested and it was ok on the bench and then ran all the time on the car? Or it was ok under test and on the car?

My Bad Guys :banghead: I miss aligned the main power cable..
I put the cable on 90degree out and it was touching the Main positive on the solenoid,
Sorry for waisting your time And a Big Thanks for you Support!

Glad it was an easy fix.

The 1st Starter I bought Had a Bad Solenoid
(I didn't test it before I fitted it)
The 2nd Starter tested Good on the Bench
(I screwed up on Positioning of the main power cable)

Hope that make sense :)

Not the easiest place to get into But Cheers Again,