When replacing the starter on a Mini that was built before the change to pre-engaged starters in 1984/5 it’s vital to obtain the right parts.

The inertia starter needs to have the correct nine-tooth pinion and this is rarer than the ten-tooth type used on other British Leyland cars such as the Sprite, Spitfire and Mini Metro; these often get fitted to Minis as they’re cheaper, but doing so can ruin the ring gear or the bendix teeth.

It is also important to obtain the correct solenoid. Early Minis had the type with a push-button, which was useful for turning the engine while adjusting the tappets.

Mini Spares can now supply the correct nine-tooth GXE4404 starter at £78.76 inc VAT and the original type BMK1727 solenoid with push-button starter at £17.28 inc VAT.

The starter is sold on an outright basis so customers can retain their original to rebuild at some stage; the donor units are now becoming very rare as they have not been fitted to production cars for over 20-years.

For more details call 01707 607 700 or visit www.minispares.com ENDS.