Bosch SR440X / M3 Starter Alternatives

[Cabbage Fumes]

I don't know what this E12 reference is to, except that if you're speaking of the E12 chassis car, they never came with a starter smaller or lighter than what came in a 2002. The small case starter that people want started in the S14 (1.4kw), and improved with the M30 based B35/S38 engines in the E34&E32 (1.7kw). Any starter listed for a '89-94 M30 based car is the ticket. Be certain that it is for an M30 though. The same starter was used in the same era M20 based cars, but used a finer toothed gear and isn't compatible.

The only thing for an E12 that is good in a 2002 is the alternator.

[AceAndrew]

That’s correct, it was the e34 I should have referenced.  Should have checked my own notes before writing e12 all over the place.  Thanks for that.

[gambitpaul]

On 6/5/2020 at 6:06 PM, Vicleonardo1 said:

I ordered something like this quite sometime ago: Many many cross ref numbers that are confusing. But seems to be the one in many similar 3.5l Bmws.....

Followed a tip from RoadHogO and got one like this from Ebay:

Update: This is the actual one I purchased: 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STARTER-BMW-Marine-B630-B635-Gas-86-87-12411333980-12-41-1-466-100-410-24065/362958089752?hash=item5481fcee18:g:ZGUAAOSwmuheyj6k

 

Haven't had time to install it. Bought it as a Hoarding item: But I am assuming it is wired the same as a SR440X etc...New item at half the price. 

 

Cheers! 

I bought the eBay starter last year but installed it this Easter. Added six pounds of lightness compared to the original SR71X. It spins my tii engine at a higher more even RPM which seems to help the Kfish and ignition get combustion going. 

 

It is wired like the SR440x from the M3 and M30 models. That just means you won't have a spot for your resistor bypass wire if you have one. I moved that bypass wire to fuse 12 and disconnected the resistor wire at both ends. And yes the starter wire is in the 6:00 position. I don't think it has 1.7kw power of the Bosch but is has been much better for me. It came with a data test sheet I could upload if anyone is interested. 

[adawil2002]

Just had the E30 M3 starter installed in my '73 2002 Tii, Vern. My car starts the same as it did before the original starter quit. If the E30 M3 starter spins faster I cant tell. My car has always started in between 1-2 seconds.

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Are the SR440/441s permanent magnet starters like the Japanese always use? Is that why they're so much lighter/smaller?

[HBChris]

3 hours ago, AustrianVespaGuy said:

Are the SR440/441s permanent magnet starters like the Japanese always use? Is that why they're so much lighter/smaller?

Yes they are.

[mgben]

I have saved these 2 threads for my install of the SR441x 

Luckily I have a 73 with ballast resistor and relay system not the resistor wire so I did not have to deal with the terminal that goes to ground.

 

 

Edited June 8, 2020 by mgben
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