DirtE30 - 1990 BMW 325i

[ScottyB]

Not to insult your intelligence but you didn't touch any ignition stuff right? After cranking that long you could be putting a lot of stress on the starter or battery which might explain the starter popping...sounds like it's engaging and disengaging randomly.

Flickering lights makes me think you have a bad ground if your voltage is good. I don't think you're banging internals, there's no reason that would happen and if you did it long enough youd probably lose compression on that cylinder and feel it

It's a bit Overkill but you could try bump starting it with the clutch if you have someone else pull it around the parking lot. If it starts and runs that way you'll know it's the starter.

I probably wouldn't crank on it too long per session. You'll start washing the cylinder walls with fuel