87 325e clutch replacement

[Garageaholic]

When dropping the tranny, are there any other things to take care of.. I've heard of having to remove the starter (which is a bitch) or something?

How easy is it to replace the clutch (i think it's a dual mass flywheel). Thanx guys

[Garageaholic]

Also, The rear engine seal. Does one need to remove the oil pan gasket in order to get to it?

[AdamF 88iS]

The top starter bolt is a pain.

Doing the clutch is easy.

Crankshaft rear main seal is behind the flywheel, but the oil pan does not need to come out for it.

[Garageaholic]

In what instance does the top starter bolt need to come out? For the clutch? or removal of flywheel?

[rs4pro3]

you have to remove it to remove the tranny

[Garageaholic]

Aaaah, Okay, thanx guys

[Mike325]

you have to remove it to remove the tranny

So all you have to remove is that one starter bolt to get the trans out right. You don't have to remove both starter bolts, or is it easier to.

[ZinRot325i]

No, you have to remove both starter bolts.
There's a nut on one side and the bolt on the other. A massive PITA.

[Mike325]

No, you have to remove both starter bolts.
There's a nut on one side and the bolt on the other. A massive PITA.

Ya, I was playing around with that one today from under the car. The Bently says to go from the top so I will try that.

[ZinRot325i]

I generally undo the rear crossmember/transmission mount support, jack the front of the engine up a little so the transmission points down,
Then I take a droplight and let it shine on the starter so I can see where I'm going.
I put a wrench on one of the two nuts holding the starter bolts in place so it locks against the engine, then I put together 2 or 3 long extensions and the socket and from the underside go along the top of the tranny to get the bolts loose. Repeat for the other bolt.

[Mike325]

How many bolts hold the starter to the tranny? I got one off that goes through the tranny and the other was a short bolt that connects the starter bracket to the block.