Starter motor not disengaging - how to remove starter ?

lazytv · Post by **lazytv** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 9:49 am

In my mission to get my e12 going again I've had several road blocks (water pump seized, missing parts, turns over but doesn't continue to run).

I shot a little engine start (ether) into the intake and I can get it to turn over a few times but the start motor doesn't seem to be disengaging from the flywheel.

Any ideas on how to remove the two bolts holding the stater motor from the engine? There's no room to put an open-ended box wrench, socket or otherwise there.

TIA.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 7:59 pm

It's tight but there's room, although you might have to pull an intake runner. If you happen to have the original tool kit, that box end wrench works well. If not it can be done with a combo wrench, but it's no fun to be sure.

Also look at the link, it's for an E28 with a different intake but same M30 engine. It's even tougher.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100967

lazytv · Post by **lazytv** » Mon Nov 16, 2015 8:07 pm

Mike

Is there a certain wrench I should use? Offset box? Thin walled 17th socket? I pull the 6th intake off but the problem is the nut clearance is almost nil.

CabbageFumes · Post by **CabbageFumes** » Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:03 am

Earlier cars had a stud in the block with a nuts on the starter but I think yours uses bolts from the flywheel side with nuts on the starter. As mentioned, the tool kit box wrench is thin enough to make things a bit easier. It might make sense to just get that box on the nut and let it wedge against the starter while you turn the bolt from the back side? Regardless, sink that starter and get a b35 small case starter from a pick your part yard. You life will be so much easier if you have to go through this again some day.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:32 am

You want the flattest, thinnest box you can find. Seems like I've used open end before at times too. You definitely do not want a offset box. It's doable, but requires patience. And maybe a couple of beers.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 7:36 pm

https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

Clumpy photos but it's a place to start, for future adventures too.

lazytv · Post by **lazytv** » Thu Nov 26, 2015 11:51 pm

So I was able to remove the starter motor to test the solenoid, starater and bendix and all seem to be working well. Gave it some grease and put it back in. Still having trouble with it. When I turn the engine over there is a noise of the starter staying engaged too long on the flywheel.

Any ideas?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 8:29 pm

Starters are tricky and a bench test doesn't really tell you much, available torque, if the bendix clutch is good, all that. If a light maintenance didn't do the job it's probably starter time. B35 starters from E32/E34 cars are gear reduction, smaller, lighter and install easier FWIW.

Falkenberg · Post by **Falkenberg** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 3:51 am

Mike W. wrote:B35 starters from E32/E34 cars are gear reduction.

Never thought of that, so that is why they at least seem more powerful.

At least partly. I believe they are rated at 1.4 Kw as opposed to 1.2 Kw, but gear reduction plays a part.

lazytv · Post by **lazytv** » Tue Jan 05, 2016 11:59 am

MikeW,

Are you talking about Bosch SR441X ?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Jan 05, 2016 4:31 pm

lazytv wrote:MikeW,

Are you talking about Bosch SR441X ?

Yes, I believe that's the one. It would fit say a 90, 535i.