Grinding on start up

Cjd9 · 04-05-2016, 02:06 AM

I have a 2011 328i with 35k miles. When it is below 45 and I start my car, there is a loud grinding noise while it's starting. Goes away once it's on. Does not happen during warm weather and it does not struggle to start, just doesn't sound good. Any ideas? No codes with Carly for BMW.

bhmax16 · 04-05-2016, 10:01 AM

Starter gear is grinding against the flywheel teeth due to defective starter. Replace the starter.

Eagle1oh7 · 04-05-2016, 12:14 PM

I had this issue too when I had my car for about 6-8 months. It was a broken piece inside the exhaust system. It was giving me subpar fuel economy and sounded awful on startup. When I get home I'll take a look at the invoice to see what it was exactly.

robthewrench · 04-05-2016, 12:52 PM

I was going to suggest an exhaust noise, because I have a similar noise that happens in-frequently on my 335. I wasn't sure if the 328 and 335 had the same noise issue within the exhaust.

Mine isn't a grind, but more of a screech. Short but loud. happens just at the end of the starter / just as the engine has caught.

Cjd9 · 04-05-2016, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhmax16

Starter gear is grinding against the flywheel teeth due to defective starter. Replace the starter.

I just found several threads about the same issue. Some say it's normal and others said it's not and to replace the starter. How come it only happens in cold weather? Anyway to know for sure if it needs to be replaced? Not exactly a cheap repair.

I doubt a shop will be able to replicate the sound with warm weather now.

Sidewinderpb · 04-06-2016, 08:32 AM

Yeah mine does it when it's really cold out. Sounds like metal scraping, and can be felt in my brain balls.

04-05-2016, 02:06 AM	#1
Cjd9 Enlisted Member 7 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i SULEV Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Grinding on start up I have a 2011 328i with 35k miles. When it is below 45 and I start my car, there is a loud grinding noise while it's starting. Goes away once it's on. Does not happen during warm weather and it does not struggle to start, just doesn't sound good. Any ideas? No codes with Carly for BMW. Last edited by Cjd9; 04-05-2016 at 02:25 AM..
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04-05-2016, 10:01 AM	#2
bhmax16 Lieutenant 164 Rep 401 Posts Drives: '22 M4, '23 CX-50 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Starter gear is grinding against the flywheel teeth due to defective starter. Replace the starter.
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04-05-2016, 12:14 PM	#3
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	I had this issue too when I had my car for about 6-8 months. It was a broken piece inside the exhaust system. It was giving me subpar fuel economy and sounded awful on startup. When I get home I'll take a look at the invoice to see what it was exactly. __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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04-05-2016, 12:52 PM	#4
robthewrench Captain 266 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 11 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Columbus OH iTrader: (0)	I was going to suggest an exhaust noise, because I have a similar noise that happens in-frequently on my 335. I wasn't sure if the 328 and 335 had the same noise issue within the exhaust. Mine isn't a grind, but more of a screech. Short but loud. happens just at the end of the starter / just as the engine has caught. __________________ bone stock
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04-06-2016, 08:32 AM	#6
Sidewinderpb Banned 329 Rep 1,739 Posts Drives: 2017 340i xDrive 6mt Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (7)	Yeah mine does it when it's really cold out. Sounds like metal scraping, and can be felt in my brain balls.
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