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This morning I found that my starter is/maybe going bad. Called Max bmw it will cost about 350.00 for starter & 127.00 labor. I need some asst. I can buy a replacement at the boneyard for 209.00 all I need is how put the thing in........

You may be up for a new starter which (parts and labour) could cost in excess of $450. On the other hand your starter may just need a clean - which you could do yourself for nothing. There's also the possibility it's not your starter at all.
What are the symptoms?

well smoke came out of the area where the accessory plug is, followed by a burning smell. when starting the bike there is a whining sound, also it seems to not turn over like the battery is dead. new gel installed in august 2011. I would like to do it myself, can it be done?

No problem to remove and instal a starter motor.
Just make sure you disconnect the battery before touching the starter.
Otherwise death or destruction (no really!) can follow.
Below should help -



Before going to the expense or buying a new/reconditioned unit have the old one tested, just to make sure it is the starter that is the problem.

A more detailed guide to removing AND disassembling a starter can be found here.
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/sq ... tarter.pdf
If all you're going to do is replace it you only need to look at parts 1 & 2

I've pulled starters a number of times. Easy job if you have the right selection of sockets, extensions and wobble-joints. 3/8" drive work fine. You do not have to disconnenct the battery as this involves pulling the tank (or lifting it) and I never bother. Just make very sure that you are careful in removing the live power from the back of the starter post and immediately slip a rubber cover over it or tape it over without arcing the lead onto any metal bits. Yeah - Not by the book, but a bit of care saves a lot of time. Takes about 10 minutes to pull the starter including opening your tool drawer. Just check all leads when you pull the plastic cover in case it's just a loose nut on the power lead. Unusual to 'fry' a starter. Normally the spline teeth wear or the throwout shaft sticks. Or the teeth break off the flywheel like mine did!

thanks guys I am going to replace it asap.........I don't think a cleaning will help since smoke and smell reigns. Question how long do starters last? I think this was usual for this to happen only 10k on a '04 1150 r.........BTW saw two on beemer boneyard a valeo (oem) and a endurlast your thoughts?

How much for labor? Charging $127 for what should be no more than a 20 minute job is theft. Do it yourself or get a local independent spanner man to do it for you.