Bimmerfest - BMW Forums - Help! Whirring sound and I can't turn off the car!

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FIXED: Help! Whirring sound and I can't turn off the car!

I looked around and couldn't find another post with the same problem.

I have a 1982 320i E21, and when I went out to start it, it turned over once but didn't start. So I turned the key again and a loud whirring sound came on and now won't stop! I had to disconnect a battery lead to turn it off. When I reattach the lead, the whirring starts again.

Any ideas what might be the problem? Is there a way to reset whatever is whirring??

Many thanks in advance! This forum has been a big help for some other issues I've had.

I found a related post and wound up whacking the solenoid on the starter with a crowbar. No more whirring and it started up after that. Need a new starter, I guess.

Sounds like the one way clutch on your starter is shot. A new starter may be in your future.