which starter do I want?

[Maxima SE]

Rebuilt BMW or Bosch vs new Valeo? can't seem to find the cached old M3F thread on this

[Halftim3]

I'd recommend a new Valeo which I believe is what it came with from the factory. Anyways, I replaced my bad starter with a new Valeo 3+ years ago and as a daily driven car it has been working flawlessly.

[Tbonem3]

I got a new valeo a few years ago no issues. On mt 3rd alternator though. 2 rebuilt bosches, shoukd have bought a new valeo too I think.

[natty99]

I have a new Valeo unit if you're looking for one

[BMWahba]

Valeo is solid.
Does anyone know if a "long start" could be attributed to a bad starter? My car has had a long start since I've owned it.

[Dino]

Valeo is solid.
Does anyone know if a "long start" could be attributed to a bad starter? My car has had a long start since I've owned it.

Have you taken a look at your battery terminals?

I've seen a few E46's with corroded battery terminals even though being covered in the back trunk, might be worth taking a look at.

[Halftim3]

Yeah, battery terminals do still get corroded in the trunk.

[Ceelooboob]

I put in a new Valeo about 2.5 years ago and it has been solid. No issues.

[Maxima SE]

Thanks guys, I'll go with the Valeo and thank goodness its cheap. Hopefully this will fix my intermittent starting issue on hot days.

I have a new Valeo unit if you're looking for one

Thanks but I'm gonna get a new one from FCPEuro to take advantage of their lifetime warranty.

[jareds941]

My local shop STRONGLY urged against anything other than OEM based on recent issues they've had with others prematurely failing. Obviously others here haven't had the same issues. I did the work myself, so there was no cash incentive for them to steer me that way. And after having dealt with those bolts on the starter, if the extra money means I never have to touch that thing again, then it was money well spent in my eyes!

[SteelGreyM]

When the alternator went out on the e46 325i I went with a bosch. It looked exactly like the OEM from what I remember. No problems here. But I think most say valeo

[jareds941]

I've also read / been told first hand that cars that are used on track and/or driven aggressively often have a tendency to kill alternators due to the sustained high revs. I haven't yet, but I plan to do the underdrive pulley on mine to try and save the alternator. Obviously not a great option for street cars with stereos, etc.

[chicane]

Yeah, battery terminals do still get corroded in the trunk.

Corrosion on the positive terminal is a sign of overcharging. Excessive corrosion can also cause cracking of the battery case itself. A visual check of the battery is in order, as is a testing of your charging system.

[duracellttu]

I replaced mine with a Bosch about 2 years ago. I've noticed that the starter has a tenancy to stay engaged for about 2-3 seconds after the engine turns over. Not sure if its a solenoid issue or what. No issues otherwise, just thought it was peculiar.

[Dash1]

Bosche rebuilt products are pretty much garbage. I've replaced my rebuilt Bosche alternator twice in 3 years. Not a big deal since it's easy to replace. Starter however, I would make sure it's a one and done replacement.