Sorry my bmw 1991 3181 had a problem with the starter..how can i fix it.....when start to run it didin't work so i had to use a screwdriver to initiate the starter by make it touch the starter then the engine is on....the key can't start the engine..can you please fixing my problem?

If the starter is reachable the main battery terminal of the starter can be bridged to the small solenoid terminal with a screwdriver or similar or use a light jumper lead from the battery to the solenoid terminal - the regular remote starter uses this principle but includes a switch for convenience.

moisture in the fuel will make it run rough. the starter solenoid is stuck. whack it with the handle of a screwdriver. if that didn't do the trick, replace the starter.

rarely fail,but do.if the battery load tested out to be good . you get 12 volts to the starter signal wire when you turn the key to start. then the starter is bad or the engine or something driven by the belt is locked up.

Pop the hood. Remove the air intake tubing from the engine using a flathead screwdriver, and set it to the side. This will expose the starter motor just below, mounted towards the firewall with several wires out of the top of it.
---------- FOR how to remove and install starter motor, please click on the link below:-- http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-remove-starter-motor-on-1996-bmw.html ----------- This will help.Thanks.Helpmech.

Hi.

Push starting in the long run can damage several parts.

The manufacturers state that it can damage the catalytic converter because of the blow of engine gas getting to the exhaust system when the car is starting.

It can also damage the electronics and the injection system, because of the slight over voltage given when the engine kicks in, and because the car will first run lean, and then suddenly rich when the pump kicks in. In some case you can also risk overheating the pump, which is cooled by fuel running inside the part.

Damage from push start is not really frequent, but can occur. Better not taking too many chances, and fixing the starter motor as soon as possible.

Regards.

Ginko.

Yes, here is a test you can do. With the car in park or neutral and the parking brake on, short the hot terminal (one with the big red wire attached) of the starter solenoid to the smaller (ignition switch) terminal. Be careful not to let your screwdriver touch anything else, especially do not touch the big ground terminal closest to the starter motor. If the motor does not crank, the starter/solenoid is not working. If the motor cranks the engine, your ignition switch, starter fuse, or relay is bad or the start wire is open. You can further troubleshoot this by interrogating the starter relay (see tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6022358-relay_check), but only some cars have a starter relay.

Check fuse # 46 and break lights bulbs
they are on same circuit as the Ignition switch on 1995 318 it maybe the same for yours

Hello! this seems a similar problem to the Vw Golf, you twist the key to start and zip nothing. I repaired my postmans Golf by (Hot wiring) the starter. If you are up for this? you need to run a wire to the small power lead on the starter solenoid. I did this by purchasing a 10amp push to make button type (Door bell) switch,(Maplins) I fused it and power came from the switched live off the ignition. It is still in full working order 5 years later.
To test that the starter solenoid is NOT the fault, remove the coil or disable the engine so it won't start. Then locate the wire on he solenoid (Usually at the top and of Spade type connection maybe Black/white) remove it gently use an insulated wire from the Positve+ battery terminal and touch the clip/spade connection the starter motor should come to life, be sure not to touch any other parts of the engine with the wire could short circuit and you could start a fire. If you are unsure about the testing I would take the vehicle to a Technician to investigate.
Sorry to have made such an epic about this but it may save you a lot of time and money.
Happy New Year! I hope it Starts (forgive the pun) well?
Paul 'W'

Hey there, I have a BMW 750il just like yours, the best way is to go from the bottom, you will have more elbow room to work with.

kinda.
alldata calls for 7.5 hrs. to replace it. so that means around 10 to 12 hrs. for somebody that isnot familiar with bmw and don't have the tools for it.
sorry