As reported earlier I had fitted an interrupt button to the temp sensor wire. However recently the hot starting was taking a noticeably longer time.

Based on other threads I moved the FIP towards the block but with no improvement. So yesterday having suspected a lazy starter I took it off.

On dismantling it, there was no obvious wear so before bringing to the reconditioners I decided to give the armature and inside the coil a sanding and try it.

RESULT: different car!! engine turns over much easier. Today I got to check with the engine hot and like a miracle it starts no problem without the need to heat it.

Unbelievable. Maybe persistance pays off after all!

Low cranking speed has been raised (by me) as a cause of bad starting on a number of occasions. Cranking speed is critical on a diesel engine.

One of the fixes brought in by BMW on the MY99 on vehicles, was an extra circuit and diode in the fuse box to power fuel pump from the starter relay as engine was being cranked.