R1100S starter motor.

[kpw894]

Oddly after 6790 miles my starter motor seems to be on the way out. Is this usual for this mileage?

Any recommendations on whether I should use a BMW replacement or another type/supplier. I see there are a number of different manfacturers and suppliers at various prices on Ebay.


Thanks for any advice.

Kieron.

[big rob]

Hi Kieron, it's a component that is as old your bike (10+ years?) so I wouldn't think the mileage has much to do with it being on its way out.
(are you sure it's not your battery that's losing its mojo? cos your starter motor will just click like machine-gun if the battery is low)
BMW don't make starter motors, but I'm sure they will sell you one for a handsome profit
I bought a new one of Ebay for about £90-ish

Rob.

[ianbcr]

as Rob says check your battery first. mind you that wont be cheap either.

[metropolis2k]

What are your symptoms? Sometimes a quick strip and clean of a BMW starter can work wonders.

[kpw894]

Symptom is that the starter is sluggish and has difficultly throwing the engine over, just like having a flat battery. I've had to bump start a couple of times. I've checked battery (which is only a few months old) and is giving 13.8 volts and I've also looked at the starter switch which is not faulty. I've had the starter off and blown it through with air and cleaned the brushes and it's now starting ok, but I've just got that niggling feeling??

Do any of you have a preferred supplier and manufacturer or are they all much the same?

Thanks to all for the replies.

Kieron.

PS - I've recently fitted a pair of rocket sprockets, a carbon inlet duct, a Laser exhaust and Decat pipe and carried out the GS inlet track mod. I have before and after dyno readings and some real time experience of the changes which I'll post shortly.

[tanneman]

Check that the terminals is secure, they do vibrate loose so just a nip with a spanner is all it needs to restore full current.

[dave the german]

DON'T buy from BMW. I was stung for £300 +. Local independent techy reckons he can get them for £90 ish. I would leave yours for a while if cleaning it has improved it

[metropolis2k]

DON'T buy from BMW. I was stung for £300 +. Local independent techy reckons he can get them for £90 ish. I would leave yours for a while if cleaning it has improved it

Anyone can get them for £90, they're made by Valeo. Can't find the link right now (or check it's the right one) but I used to have somewhere bookmarked to buy them.

If your battery is fine and it's a little sluggish it's well worth stripping it and checking all the magnets are in place (they've got a habit of breaking free!)

There's a good guide on stripping them here: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207984

[Twinspark]

From what I recall, the motor itself is the same as Peugeot used on some 205s.
So it may be worth googling for clarity, then checking with your local scrappy.

[kpw894]

Thanks for the replies, you've all been very helpful.

Kieron.