M42 Powered E30 Starter Replacement DIY?

[dinanm3atl]

Friend's car is stranded in Florida and it simply won't do anything when you turn the key. New battery. Jump start. Etc. Starter does zero. We are going to go retrieve it and take a starter just in case it turns out that is 100% the problem...

So is there a DIY for that replacement? I do not have a lot of experience with the old 4 banger E30s.

Thanks!

[WhatWentWong]

Principle is same as M20 powered cars. Just the bolts are easier to reach, even from the engine bay.

[dinanm3atl]

I read on Pelican that you need to take the intake manifold off? Is that correct?

[iamsam]

I read on Pelican that you need to take the intake manifold off? Is that correct?

No. Just get some wrenches and do it. Working on an M42 is far easier than working on an M20.

[dinanm3atl]

Well that is nice. Do basically work up and down from engine bay to below car and get it swapped out? Any 'special' tools or can I just take my basic mobile tool bag? Ratcheting wrenches, regular wrenches, ratchers, extensions and sockets. Screw drivers. Hammer. Etc.

[Ian Bowers]

It uses E-torx to hold it to the bellhousing, which I'm sure you're aware of. It's totally possible to install it without removing the intake manifold.

[b*saint]

Wait, and M42 power E30 starter? Like you are using an M42 to start an E30 engine! Siiiick. I've heard of dirt bike engines starting a gp bike, but never a car engine starting a car engine.

[dinanm3atl]

Ummmm what? No... an E30 powered by an M42... IE a 318iS.

[jlevie]

Ummmm what? No... an E30 powered by an M42... IE a 318iS.

Too bad, it would be totally cool (and pretty impossible) to see an E30 with and M42 as a starter. And then when you needed a bit more power, you could just fire up the starter...