BMW Repair: 2001 BMW X5 - starting problems, low oil pressure, level sensors

Question
For about 3 months, there has been a clack at the back end of starting the
engine.  An indication that starter is going?  Well, then once about 3 days ago, it
clacked about 10 times quite loud before I turned the engine off, had low oil
level message, oil was fine.  Then it worked fine again, til last night, while
driving, got the clacking again, pulled over, and now it just ticks when you try to
start.  Any ideas?

Answer
Renee these symptoms are not consistent with any one thing. If the oil level is truly correct then I would replace the oil level sensor at the bottom of the oil pan. There have been a few oil level sensors that have caused a no start condition when they short out. If you replace the oil level sensors always replace the engine oil and filter. As for the noise it sounds like the engine low on oil or has low oil pressure. I would take the vehicle to the dealer and see if they can duplicate and diagnose your issue. Loss of oil pressure is a very expensive issue to let go on without attention. I would go as far as to say have it towed to the dealer until you know that the oil pressure is in fact okay. Too expensive to risk it. Ticking when trying to start sounds like low battery voltage.
-Evan