Removal, installation and check of a starter

Starter elements

Starter check

To test the starter at full battery voltage, connect the terminals "30" (large terminal) And "50" (the small one next to the big one) cable with a cross section of at least 4.0 mm². If the starter now works flawlessly, you should check the wires to the starter. If the starter does not turn, it should be removed and checked.

An accurate check is carried out on a test stand or an electrical workshop.

Removal and installation of a starter

The starter is located on the side at the junction of the cylinder block with the manual transmission and is removed downwards.

Withdrawal

1. Disconnect the negative cable (-) battery with the ignition off. The battery is located in the luggage compartment behind the cover on the right side. For BMW 316i, 318i, the battery is located in the engine compartment.

Disconnecting the battery clears the fault memory of some controls. If necessary, read the fault memory before disconnecting the battery. Refer to Section Troubleshooting. It is desirable to carry out work in the conditions of a service station.

2. Cover the negative pole of the battery to prevent accidental contact.

Lifting and placing the vehicle on stands is dangerous! Therefore, please read Section Jacking and towing

3. Raise and place the vehicle on stands. Remove the lower cover of the engine compartment, refer to Section Removal and installation of the bottom cover of an impellent compartment.

4. Models 320d: Remove the noise insulation from the left side of the engine, under the starter, for which unscrew one bolt.

5. Models 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 328i: To improve access to the generator, disconnect the fuel hoses in the area of the starter in the places of their coupling connections.

Observe the safety precautions below. Disconnection of fuel hoses is described in Section Removal and installation of injectors.

• Do not smoke near the workplace, do not use open flames and incandescent or very hot objects. There is a risk of fire! Keep a fire extinguisher ready.
• Make sure the workplace is well ventilated. Fuel vapors are poisonous.
• The fuel system is under pressure. When the system is opened, fuel may be released. Wipe off the fuel with a rag. Wear safety goggles.

6. Disconnect wires:

• 1 - terminal 30, thick wire directly from the positive pole of the battery;
• 2 - terminal 50, from the ignition switch.

7. Turn out bolts of fastening of a starter from a manual check point by means of the corresponding extender.

8. Pull the starter back out of the gearbox flange and remove it downwards.



9. Check starter gear and ring gear for damage.

Installation

10. Reinstall the starter and secure it with a torque of 50 Nm.

11. Connect the electrical wires and fasten them to terminal 30 with a torque of 12 Nm, and at terminal 50 with a torque of 6 Nm.

Route the wires in the same way as before removal. Follow that. So that they do not rub against adjacent structures.

12. Models 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 328i: Connect the fuel hoses and secure in the holder. Attach with new clamps. O-rings also use new ones, refer to Section Removal and installation of injectors.

13. Models 320d: Insert the noise insulation under the starter and secure it.

14. Install the bottom cover of the engine compartment, refer to Section Removal and installation of the bottom cover of an impellent compartment.

15. Connect the negative cable (-) battery with the ignition off. Set the clock.