starter replacement procedure: is it as awful as an e36

[e30user]

I have an S50 with e36 transmission. My starter decided to die, so I plan to replace it soon. After reading some threads, I was surprised to see just how miserable of a job this can be on an e36. Has anyone replaced a starter in their swapped e30? Is the job worse, easier, or about the same? Any additional tips?

[rotarievtec]

Its not that bad. Just pull your intake manifold and get to it that way.

[havand]

I think if you jack the car up you can get it... I was trying to replace my intake temp sensor from underneath with a long extension.... Ask me how I now know where the starter is.... Hint, sparks.

[lolcantturn]

It's easy. Lift your fuel rail enough to remove the intake manifold and take the manifold off. The starter is easily accessible. I'd be surprised if it took you more than 45mins

[M-technik-3]

Books out at 5.4 hours but can be done from below with reasonable ease.

[hoveringuy]

Did mine in about an hour by removing the intake manifold...

Unloader relay on the rebuilt one didn't work but I was too lazy to do the job again.

[lolcantturn]

books out at 5.4 hours but can be done from below with reasonable ease.

five hours?!!?

[Wishno87]

Changing a starter on a 24V e30 is easier than a stock e30. I was pleasantly surprised to experience this.

[lolcantturn]

Changing a starter on a 24V e30 is easier than a stock e30. I was pleasantly surprised to experience this.

Almost everything on the 24V is easier than an M20 haha. That's not to say that the M20 is a complicated motor, theres just a lot less BS nuts and bolts.

[Wishno87]

Almost everything on the 24V is easier than an M20 haha. That's not to say that the M20 is a complicated motor, theres just a lot less BS nuts and bolts.

Haha ya pretty much. Also the 24V starter can be done by one person in the engine bay whereas the M20 pretty much requires two people, one in the engine bay and the other under the car with like a bazillion extensions.


Edit: In before someone says "well I did an M20 starter with my hands behind my back and tools hanging from my scroat"

[bloodshot-e30]

15-20 minute job.

[ck_taft325is]

Haha ya pretty much. Also the 24V starter can be done by one person in the engine bay whereas the M20 pretty much requires two people, one in the engine bay and the other under the car with like a bazillion extensions.


Edit: In before someone says "well I did an M20 starter with my hands behind my back and tools hanging from my scroat"

For serious though, I've done stuff with "tools" hanging from my scroat...

[M-technik-3]

five hours?!!?

Yes that is book time for an e36 starter.

[bloodshot-e30]

no seriously 15-20 mins

[BMW_TUNER]

Did mine the top bolt was the worst. It was so tight with the s50 and the 260 against the firewall I had to get an adapter that converted my Torx socket into an end wrench. After that it is a 1.5 job. If you don't have a threaded starter it may be easier.