1988 325is grinding noise when starting.

Hello all,

I just bought a RED 1988 325is with 183K. over all it is a good car. It has some cancer in the rocker panels and it need some good TLC all around. This is my first post of what is to come there are a ton of little issues with this car. any way...

When I start the car there is a loud grinding noise. The griding noise continues for 3-5 sec after the motor is running. after that the engine runs fine (well as expected anyway).

My first thought is a starter problem and it is staying engaged to long, but I am not sure. Any help or hints would be greatly appreciated.

I will try to record it and post it to my website later.


PS, Other issue is the CHECK light flashes at me for the first 5-10 mins in the car. but that is for another post.

yo we got the exact same car, color and everything!
not sure about the grinding noise but for the check light..just click the check button on the little status box on the top of the windshield

From what you describe...it does sound like the starter...

Starter drag ,sounds like to me!

Here is the link to the video with sound.



So how do you fix it? Replace the starter?