1989 325i starter woes

[Brokenbimmer]

Hello, I have an 89 325i that I got as a project from the po and have since been trying to piece it together. Went to start it, starter motor makes loud grinding noise internally and does not turn over motor or seem to even engage the flywheel. Removed starter motor, bench tested good, battery tested good. Decided to replace starter anyway given bench test has no load. With new starter installed it turned the motor over briefly but not without a loud grinding from the starter engaging the flywheel. And after which it now does the same as the old starter. Doesn't turn over the motor and seems to be making grinding noise internally in the starter motor while seemingly trying to engage. Kind of stumped any help is much appreciated.

[jumanjii1]

Could be a broken tooth at the flywheel. Or it could be a broken timing belt. In that case, the pistons are hitting the intake and exhaust valves. Try turning the engine over by hand while checking the valve cams. A good engine should turn smoothly.

Good Luck.