BMW is a master of advanced engineering and provides luxury, comfort, and reliability to its owners. Advanced engineering encompasses minute yet complex components. Starter motors are one of them. It is a small motor with a drive assembly that turns the engine over to start the car. The system features a motor with an attached solenoid. The solenoid’s job is to take the battery’s power and ensure it reaches the starter motor. Additionally, it pushes the starter gear forward, allowing the gear to mesh with the flywheel’s gear teeth in the engine.
If your engine cranks normally but does not start, the starter motor is not to blame unless it is drawing too much current and the engine is spinning slowly because the starter lacks the power to spin the engine faster. In such a case, the starter needs a repair or replacement within the expert vision of our ASE-certified mechanics near you in Mill Valley and San Anselmo, CA.
Heynneman European, located near you in San Rafael, California, has encountered countless starter issues with unmatched expertise and care.
Common Causes for Starter Motor Failure
The Stater Motor does not fail overnight. Several unidentified and underlying causes lead to the slow-performing issues over time. If these problems are understood beforehand, they may prevent you from getting a high-paying service. Problems like:
- Worn-out bushes or Armature
- Electrical Issues
- Solenoid Failure
- Overheating
- Age and Mileage
Effects of A Failing Starter Motor on BMW’s Performance
Here are some ways in which a failing starter motor can impact your BMW’s performance:
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
A poor or failing starter motor of your BMW can reduce the fuel efficiency. Since a bad starter motor fails to provide the necessary ignition to start your engine, it leads to multiple attempts at ignition as the driver keeps trying to start the car. This uses more power and also causes more fuel consumption, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Expert ASE-certified technicians at Heynneman European, serving San Rafael and Corte, CA, are skilled enough to detect and fix such problems in no time.
Increased Ignition System Wear
Another effect of a poor starter motor is premature wear and damage in the ignition system. This happens when you continuously try to get your car to start, and you unknowingly strain other parts of the ignition system in the process. Some common issues you might notice are bad ignition coils and flywheels. Our expert mechanic promptly manages those issues at our AAA-certified service center in Fairfax and Kentfield, CA.
Potential Engine Failure
Another issue that can result from a failed starter motor is engine damage. A bad starter motor puts stress on the entire engine system as the engine works harder to start. This could result in problems such as rough idling or overheating and, if not addressed in time, could cause engine failure. Although this repair work often takes longer, we provide complimentary loaner vehicles at any of our garages while we work on your BMW to save you time.
Signs of a Failing Starter
- Your BMW labors to crank or cranks slowly
- Your BMW refuses to start after the push button or the keys are turned to the ignition
- Your BMW starts intermittently due to dirty or loose wiring
- The interior lights dim when you attempt to start your BMW, causing stress on your battery
- You hear a grinding noise when your BMW starts or runs
- The starter keeps running after you start the engine
- If you see something burning or smoke
- The starter system gets covered in oil
Heynneman European – One Pit-Stop for All Repairs in San Rafael, CA
Be it the starter motor issue or engine-related service, to deal with all such services and repairs, you need to contact a professional garage like the Heynneman European serving our friends in the locality of San Rafael, Corte, Fairfax, Kentfield, Larkspur, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, CA.
We offer exceptional maintenance and repair services to European vehicles. With specialized service offerings, we also guarantee a 24-month or 24,000-mile nationwide warranty on all maintenance services. Our ASE-certified technicians understand complex engineering and resolve issues promptly using advanced tools and technology in our AAA-certified service center. Along with these, we provide you with a loaner vehicle to ensure smooth communication while your car is being repaired or serviced. You can also enjoy our amenities in the comfortable waiting area while we are working on your car.
Visit or call us now to schedule a service appointment with Heynneman European, located in your San Rafael, CA, community, to receive services ranging from routine care to in-depth diagnostics.