BMW 12411269696 Exchange Starter Motor

This type of starter incorporates a solenoid mounted on the starter body, which, when the ignition switch is operated, moves the starter drive pinion into engagement with the flywheel starter ring gear through the shift lever. As the solenoid reaches the end of its stroke and the pinion is fully engaged with the flywheel ring gear, the fixed and moving contacts close, energizing the starter to rotate the engine. This fractional pre-engagement of the starter drive significantly reduces wear on the flywheel ring gear compared to inertia type starters. To remove the starter, first disconnect the lead from the battery negative terminal, then disconnect the leads from the starter solenoid terminals and release the starter front mounting. Next, unbolt the starter from the bell housing and withdraw it. Installation is simply the reverse of removal.