I realize that this is a question/comment that probably doesn't have a definitive answer, but:
The starter that was intermittently working a couple months ago is working very consistently these days. It was giving me no response on a few occasions, then it would work after several turns of the key. I bought a reman starter and went to install it, didn't have the right tool, so just sort of jiggled the loose plastic end cap-type thing on the solenoid, and the thing has been working flawlessly for several dozen starts now. Could it be that I have myself a starter that I can continue using? And could it be that I should just return the starter I bought? A big part of me says that I should just keep the starter I bought - for when the existing starter quits. I guess I'd just have to make sure no rust forms on the thing, and it'll be there in my garage when I need it. Just a mystery as to why the starter is reformed. Brian 83 240D
