Second Hand Nissan Note Starter Motor

The Nissan Note ran as a first generation (E11) from 2006 to 2013, so a 2009 and a 2012 are both within the same generation, which is a positive sign for compatibility. Fitment is driven primarily by engine code, so if both cars share the same engine code — for example the HR16DE 1.6 petrol or the K9K 1.5 diesel — there is a reasonable chance the starter motor will interchange. That said, ancillary and mounting changes can occur mid-production without a formal facelift, so confirm the match against your specific registration with the breaker before buying.

The Nissan Note moved from the first generation (E11, 2006–2013) to the second generation (E12, 2013 onwards) with a significant platform change, and the engine line-up changed with it. Because of that generation boundary, a direct swap is unlikely to be straightforward even if the fuel type looks the same on paper. Always quote both registrations and their engine codes to the breaker so they can confirm whether the units are actually the same part.

Yes — the starter motor is matched to the engine, not the model year or body style, so the engine code is the single most useful detail you can supply. Two Notes from the same year can carry different engines and need completely different starter motors. You can find your engine code on your V5C logbook or via a VIN check, and giving it to the breaker upfront avoids wasted journeys.

Absolutely — diesel engines typically run higher compression ratios and require a more powerful starter motor than their petrol equivalents, so the two are not interchangeable. On the Note, the 1.5 dCi diesel (engine code K9K) will need a different unit to the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol variants. Always confirm fuel type and engine code with your breaker to make sure the unit is rated correctly for your engine.

No — trim level has no bearing on starter motor fitment whatsoever, as the motor is determined entirely by the engine fitted, not by the equipment or interior specification. A Visia and a Tekna with identical engine codes will take the same starter motor. The only cosmetic difference you might encounter with a breaker's part is any surface finish or bracket colour, which makes no difference to function.

The E11-generation Note received a facelift around 2009 with styling updates, but the core engine codes carried over, meaning the facelift alone does not automatically mean a different starter motor. However, ancillary and mounting details can change quietly during a production run without being tied to a visible facelift date, so you should still confirm fitment against your exact registration with the breaker rather than relying on the facelift year alone.