Need Help Removing Starter - BMW 6 Series

WestCoastSucces

I've managed to get one of the two bolts loose - the one on the solenoid side - and am now trying to get at the other bolt.

1) Anyone have any advice on getting at this bolt? Coming at it from the top, there's barely any clearance - should I attack it from under the car?

2) Once that bolt is removed, will the starter drop out? ie do I need to support the starter from below somehow - perhaps with a jack?

3) Presume I'll have to work the starter out from below? I can't see how it could possibly fit out the top.

The car in question is an '84 BMW 633 CSi.

Many thanks!

Hifive

WestCoastSucces wrote: »

I've managed to get one of the two bolts loose - the one on the solenoid side - and am now trying to get at the other bolt.

1) Anyone have any advice on getting at this bolt? Coming at it from the top, there's barely any clearance - should I attack it from under the car?

2) Once that bolt is removed, will the starter drop out? ie do I need to support the starter from below somehow - perhaps with a jack?

3) Presume I'll have to work the starter out from below? I can't see how it could possibly fit out the top.

The car in question is an '84 BMW 633 CSi.

Many thanks!

Haven't had to tackle this yet (touch wood) but I believe it's an awkward procedure involving draining the coolant and the oil.
This guide courtesy of Big coupe group.

Starter Removal - Chris Wright <wcwright@hsonline.net>

I posted a cry for help on removing a starter from a 635csi a couple of volumes back and have since pulled together enough information and secrets to finish the job. I pass this along FYI and for the FAQ on the web page.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable

2. Drain engine coolant- (small plastic plug in lower Rt radiator elbow)

3. Remove the heater hose that runs from solenoid across the top of the bell housing to access the top starter mounting bolt

4. Loosen heater hose from fitting on fire wall and flex out of the way

5. Disconnect starter wires

6. Remove the 2 bolts (17mm) that hold the starter to the bellhousing. The lower out side bolt also carries a small bracket that supports a wire bundle; mark and unplug this bundle from bracket on intake manifold and push aside. The bolts are slightly recessed and there is not enough space to get a socket on the bolts: nor can you see them. A small mirror helps. You have to use a box end wrench and worry them out an 1/8 of a turn at a time.

7. Remove the oil filter by loosening bolt on top of filter housing and drop it down through the access space (have something underneath to catch it).

8. Work starter forward between base of dipstick tube and ABS controller bracket. The starter should pass under the oil filter housing and turn and drop down through the oil filter access space. It may be necessary to loosen and reposition the brackets on the dipstick tube and move the starter cable to accomplish this.

Tip: pass a small cord thru a starter bolt hole to help support the starter while you wrestle with it!

carchaeologist

Eeeek....a horrible job!!:eek:

8~)

I haven't done this job on a BMW 6 so can't offer specific tips... however is there any chance of getting to the last bolt by jacking up the engine in one spot or another in order to gain better access? Or, splash out on an expensive ratchet spanner or particular socket that will do the job... might be worth the investment.

alpina

If still in trouble some more info & feedback;


http://bimmer.roadfly.com/e24/messages/archive/msgsy2000w45/14924.html

WestCoastSucces

Alpina: many thanks, once again - that guide from your link is excellent! Having gone through the incredibly awkward coolant step I'll be happy when this job is done!

Cheers!

WestCoastSucces

Happy to report the job is done - starter installed, coolant refilled and she's running great!

I flat out would not have been able to finish the job without the link you provided, alpina, so thanks again!

For anyone else attempting this job, when installing the new starter, don't even bother trying to approach the passenger side starter bolt screw from the passenger side of the engine - it's hopeless - I've done the research! Per the link in the post above, work your hand in from the driver's side of the engine - it's counter-intuitive, but believe me, you CAN access it and screw it in with your fingers. Then go to the passenger side and tighten it up.

Cheers!