Mahle Starter Motor 12V 10T CCW MS38
The MAHLE MS38 starter motor is a new 12V unit with a 10-tooth pinion, counter-clockwise rotation, and a 2.2kW power rating. It is listed as a starter motor with a 2-hole mount type, 2 mounting bores, and an off set drive end bracket, so the mounting pattern and drive arrangement are important checks before purchase.
Key dimensions for this unit include 111mm mount centres, a 76mm flange diameter, 12.5mm mount hole diameter, a 28mm pinion diameter, and 65.0mm flywheel depth. The pinion at rest is 62mm, and the tooth pitch is 10.48, which are practical identifiers when comparing against the existing starter.
This starter is described as a reduction gear type and is noted as suitable for dry clutch applications. It also carries a one-year warranty and is supplied as a new part under MAHLE part number MS38, which should be matched carefully against the vehicle application and the removed unit.
Key Features
- New MAHLE starter motor
- 12V with 10-tooth pinion
- Counter-clockwise rotation
- 2.2kW power rating
- 2-hole mount type
- Reduction gear transmission
Specifications
- Brand: MAHLE
- Part No.: MS38
- Product type: Starter motor
- Voltage: 12V
- Power rating: 2.2kW
- Rotation: CCW
- Number of teeth: 10
- Pinion diameter: 28mm
Fitment information
- Volkswagen Multivan
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Volkswagen Transporter / Caravelle
- Volkswagen Multivan model years listed in the supplied application data include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009
- Volkswagen Transporter / Caravelle model years listed in the supplied application data include 2003 and 2004
Application and Buying Notes
Before ordering, compare the part number MS38, the 12V rating, and the 10-tooth CCW configuration with the starter already fitted to the vehicle. The listed 111mm mount centres, 76mm flange diameter, and 12.5mm mount hole diameter are the most useful checks when confirming the physical fit.
The note for this unit includes an off set drive end bracket and reduction gear setup, so matching the starter body shape and drive arrangement matters as much as matching voltage. The 65.0 flywheel depth, 28mm pinion diameter, and 62mm pinion-at-rest measurement can help avoid confusion where similar-looking starters differ in engagement depth or nose length.
The supplied application data references Volkswagen Multivan, Volkswagen Transporter, and Volkswagen Transporter / Caravelle variants, but a final match should still be confirmed against the exact vehicle and the removed part. Starters can differ by mounting pattern, rotation, pinion count, and flywheel engagement, even within the same model family.
This starter is a dry-clutch application unit and is rated at 2.2kW, so it is intended to suit the specification it was designed for rather than being a universal replacement. If the old starter shows matching dimensions and the same MS38 reference, that is a strong indicator, but it should still be checked against the vehicle application details before fitting.
Before supply, the safest approach is to confirm the original unit details against the listed part number, voltage, output rating, mounting arrangement, and pulley configuration. That checking process is standard practice in the parts trade because visually similar units can still differ in service-critical ways.
For workshop, fleet, and equipment applications, accurate identification of part number MS38 helps avoid unnecessary freight, additional labour, and vehicle or machine downtime. Where the application is not straightforward, the original unit, OEM reference, or workshop records should be used as the primary confirmation point.
Relevant published details for this unit include Type STARTER MOTOR, Unit of Measure EACH, Warranty One Year, Mount Centres A 111mm, Number of Teeth 10, Pinion Diameter 28mm, Rotation CCW, Voltage 12, Item Type Starter Motor, Starter Mount Type 2 Hole.
Additional published details for cross-checking include Transmission Type with reduction gear, Number of mounting bores 2, For flywheel depth 65.0, Packaging length 31.8, Packaging height 13.50, Product Group 2 STARTER MOTORS, Part No. MS38, Brand MAHLE, Description Mahle Starter Motor 12V 10Th CCW.
Mahle Starter Motor 12V 10Th CCW. Part number MS38 should be checked first. Listed voltage is 12. These details form the core reference points used by parts interpreters when confirming the correct replacement.
For part number MS38, the normal identification sequence is part number, electrical rating, mounting arrangement, connector or terminal style, and pulley or drive details. Using those checkpoints helps confirm that the listed unit matches the service requirement rather than only looking similar.
For a starter motor in workshop, fleet, trade, agricultural, or construction service, the listed voltage 12 should be checked carefully. Incorrect selection can affect installation time, return freight, and equipment availability.
Available application references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2005. Even with application listings, final confirmation should still be based on the exact unit being replaced and the service requirements of the vehicle or machine.
Compatibility note: Confirm fitment by matching MAHLE part number MS38, the 12V/10-tooth CCW specification, and the mounting and engagement dimensions against the vehicle application and removed starter before purchase.
FAQ
What is the MAHLE part number for this starter motor?
The part number listed is MS38. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
What voltage is this starter motor?
It is a 12V starter motor. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
How many teeth does the pinion have?
The pinion has 10 teeth. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
What rotation does this starter motor use?
It is specified as counter-clockwise, or CCW. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
What type of mounting does it use?
It is a 2-hole mount starter with 2 mounting bores and 111mm mount centres. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
Which vehicles are mentioned in the supplied fitment data?
The supplied fitment data references Volkswagen Multivan, Volkswagen Transporter, and Volkswagen Transporter / Caravelle applications, including Multivan years 2003 through 2009 and Transporter / Caravelle years 2003 and 2004 where listed. For this listing, part number MS38 is the main reference point. Listed voltage is 12. Published fitment references include VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2003, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 2004. These details should still be checked against the original unit before ordering.
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