[Vacek]

Hi,

Our 2009 X3 3.0 xdrive (n52 engine I do believe) has been experiencing some starting problems ... I'm a little boggled but think I'm down to the starter.

At times, the x3 starts very slowly. It may crank for 2-4 seconds slowly then starts up.

The other day, it simply "clicked" when trying to start ... I had to leave it at my wifes work for the night, and went back in the morning to try again. In the morning, it was simply clicking again .. I tried boosting, to no avail. It did not change the clicking at all.

After trying, and trying, and trying, I held the key on for long enough it fired up.(click, click, click .... , then turned over) Since then, it has been starting ok, just slow getting going. But again, slow at times.

I just replaced the battery as I originally thought that was the issue. Doesn't appear to have helped at all.

Am I dealing with a new starter to solve the problem ? A solenoid switch ?

A little unscientific I know ... but I'm not willing to pay BMW $2000 to figure it out. I can buy a starter and solenoid cheap I suspect and replace them myself.

Any immediate thoughts come to mind ?

Thanks for your answers in advance.

[bmw-again]

I would start by checking all connections make sure they are tight. My vw tdi just did this last week. Kept cranking and eventually burned wire up on selenoid. Pulled starter had it tested found burnt wire. Replaced it starts great. I too have new battery.

[humbertob]

Your starter is gone for sure, that's an easy but very involved DIY, just did my son's 2007 E92 4 months ago, same symptoms !

[Lt. Dan]

Sounds like the starter. I had the exact problem on my '08 X3 last year. Was weak cranking for a few months and then one morning, just the click. I figured battery was toast so I replaced it, no help.

Had an independent shop change the starter (around $750 total I think) and she cranks like new.

[paul_E39M5]

On the passenger side under the vehicle there is a ground strap from the passenger side axle housing it has a 13mmnut holding it to the housing and a 13mm nut holding it to the chassis check this ground as they are a common issue they corrode and cause a starting issue or a no start similar to your condition