Replacing a starter motor (325i Touring)

[hitman]

Hello all,

it seems as the starter motor on my 325i touring requires replacement, gonna get one later on from Eurocarparts, they seem quite reasonably priced at Ԛ£79 for a Bosch.

just a quick question regarding the actual replacement, are there any gotcha's that people on the forum may have experienced when replacing a starter motor that may have been omitted in the Haynes manual. I'm going to get a friend to carry out the work who is a competent hobby mechanic.

Cheers for any advice.

Regards,

Hitman

[deecee]

alrighty

should be easy enough job for your man two fixing bolts m10 (17mm) combination spanner and torx socket reqd( cant mind what size).bit awkward to get access to nuts lower bolt best from underneath (mine on axle stands) 3 wiring connections straight forward. note down where they go before disconnect. just done this earlier today putting 2.5 in my 2.0 touring should be ready for start up tomo fingers crossed!ran out of light today!winter hate it! good luck boys .

[Brianmoooore]

There are four wires to the starter motor IIRC. Two, with big ring terminals, come from the battery and altenator respectively, and go on the same terminal on the solenoid, the one nearest the outside of the car. The two others are the starter lead with a medium sized ring terminal, (10mm nut), and a lead with a small ring terminal, (8mm nut), which dumps some of the cars electrical load when the starter is operated.
When unscrewing these terminal nuts, try to hold the ring connector to stop it turning with the securing nut, and loosening the nut behind the terminal as well.

[Richy325iTouring]

And always disconect the earth to the battary first

[Brianmoooore]

Yes, most important. Meant to add that at the end.

[hitman]

Many thanks for the tips guys.... so next weekend... it's ON! Gonna see if my mate will do the timing belt also, but that's 5 spanners in the Haynes so might schedule that in when use of the car isn't essential.

Regards,

Hitman

[SVBMW]

When I did mine, I fixed a cheap "christmas cracker" spanner on to the end of a length of rod with tape.

This allowed me to hold the mounting nuts still while I tighten up the other side

Tris

[hitman]

I'm sure the more experienced on here would already know that starter motors are sold on an exchange basis at EuroCarParts, and BMW Dealers too. I.e., pay a surcharge (Ԛ£50 at ECP) and this will be refunded when the old starter motor is handed back.

Just thought I'd mention that as it caught me by surprise.

Regards,

Hitman