Starting issue

1999 BMW 323 I cov. E36 with M52 engine autom tranny: original symptom, starter would begin to engage then banging noise from starter. Replaced starter, banging noise returned after a few days, second event of noise, something tore the front cover off the starter! Told the torque converter or flywheel ringgear was the culprit, replaced the converter, new flywheel and starter. First morning after picking up car, it would not start, only begins to turn over and stops dead. Waited 30-45 secs and it starts. Don't believe starter is the issue, almost like converter won't spin with starter. Good plugs and coils. Thanks for your help, running out of options and money.