Compare BMW 3 Series starter motor repair quotes from specialist garages

Looming hundreds of feet up in Munich's skyline is BMW's headquarters, a vast and impressive building designed to look like four engine cylinders - the configuration that drove much of the brand's early success.

BMW has come a long way since 1927, when it produced its first car, the Dixi, shortly to be renamed the BMW 3/15. In 2022, it was awarded 'Best Manufacturer' at the AutoCar Britain's Best Car Awards, and the same year, it triumphed at the WhatCar? Awards, winning more accolades than any other brand. The M5 special edition, celebrating 20 years of BMW motorsport, is one of the rarest M automobiles in the world.

See how BMW's maintenance prices compare to Audi and Mercedes in this guide.

When you start your car, the starter motor turns the engine over, allowing it to draw in air. It is powered by the car's battery and consists of a solenoid and a powerful direct-current electric motor.

Various problems can occur with the starter motor, such as faulty electrical connections, a damaged motor and a stiff or broken solenoid. If you're having problems starting your car, this is the most obvious sign you need to book a starter motor replacement. You may notice your vehicle fails to crank, the starter engages but doesn't spin the motor, the lights dim, or there is a grinding sound when you start the engine.

Can a starter motor be repaired? It is possible to repair some faults, but given the price of parts, replacing the whole unit is often cheaper. This guide discusses how much it costs for a repair - your chosen mechanic should advise you on the easiest and most economical option.