Other starters that work besides S14?

[schnell944]

I'm looking at replacing the starter on the tii. Was originally thinking of getting a new S14 but it looks like places won't take the '02 starter towards the core charge. I read in the archive that the M30 starter works, but what I would like to know is if it still provides the stronger cranking power that the S14 does due to having one less tooth on the gear. If that's the case, I think I'll just pull one from the local yard and try my luck.

[jgerry2002]

M30 is stronger than a stock '02 starter. Its heavier though.

I have an S14 starter in my '76 and a rebuilt stock in the tii. Both seem ok.

[wazzu70]

the S14 starter has an internal gear reduction so its not really an apples to apples comparison between the M30 and S14 starters just looking at the gears. I used the M30 starter in my 2002 because it was a much cheaper route and more readily availabel and I needed it in a pinch! It is a heavy bugger though, not sure how much heavier than the stock 2002 one though, probably not too much. I did notice a big difference in starting ability (torque) but I replaced the starter cause the old one crapped out, so thats not the best comparison. Overall I was happy with it though.

[MichaelP]

I recently had e28 and s14 starters side by side on the bench. The former is ~10 pounds heavier than the latter according to left-right-o-meter.

[schnell944]

I eventually found a place that would take the '02 starter for the core in the exchange and got the S14.

[BarryA]

difference between M10 and M30 units isn't much, M30 is a bit longer (maybe 10-15 mm if memory serves - not a problem in an '02, but there's just enough extra length to hit the fuel distributor when installing on a Kjet 320, which requires moving the distributer slightly to slide the starter into place - plenty of room once it's bolted in).

As far as starting power goes, a starter designed to spin a 3.5 liter 6 cranks a 1.8 - 2 liter four with authority.......

[robspeed]

I eventually found a place that would take the '02 starter for the core in the exchange and got the S14.

and this place is...?

[schnell944]

Haha. Sorry. I got it from http://www.bimmerpartswholesale.com/ The folks on the phone seemed to be outsourced and weren't too bimmer knowledgeable, but it wasn't so bad. They'll credit me $55 for the '02 starter off the $190 price. I'd try my luck on a cheaper used one if it wasn't going on dad's car