[clubs07]

Am I facing the same issue with the other poster in this link?

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1636392

Here is the link to the noise.

It's coming from the tranny area, exhaust and heatshields seem to be well secured.

I changed the starter with an aftermarket one off Ebay like 20K miles ago. Probably had less then 1K starts and no operational issues.

I am going to change VC soon and I don't know if I should order a new starter and remove the intake manifold as well.

I definitely want to resolve the issue.

The noise seems to subside in higher revs 1K-1.5K + and most audible while idling.

2008 328i Automatic transmission.
75K miles

The teeth of flywheel gear seems good. Attached the images.
Also the flywheel seems to turn without any play from what I can see through the peep window.

[aexlm]

im having the same noise. Mine gets lower when car is at normal temperature.

[clubs07]

In the other thread with almost the identical noise, the OP of the thread and another forum member say it was fixed after replacing the starter.

I am thinking of ordering a new starter and replacing it just to see if it will fix the noise. -worst case scenario i would have done all that work for nothing-

I will change the VC as well since there is a small leak at the breather valve cover area so once I remove the manifold I can change the 3 way breather valve hose as well.

Another post mentions it can be the flex plate bolts being loose, but I doubt it, I will check the torques on those as well.

Originally Posted by aexlm

im having the same noise. Mine gets lower when car is at normal temperature.

[e90yyc]

What brand was the starter? Regardless, I’d just replace it with OE Bosch which is like $150.

[whyzee125]

That seems like an odd noise for a starter to make, but it does sound like the other guy's issue. I would get an OEM starter and do it while you're doing the VC. If it doesn't fix it, now you have a new OEM starter that should last the life of the car and you could sell the old one. I bet it fixes it though.

[TGTIW]

If you're up for paying the shipping, I can send you the starter I pulled off of my E90 at 80k. It's in good working order, I only replaced it because I was pulling the intake and figured I may as well while I was in there.