N62 Starter... Looks Like Fun... Any Tips?

[crystalworks]

Well, the time has come at 133000 miles in the 4.8. I have been driving the X5 sparingly, as always, but now have to travel with the 1000A NOCO booster because the starter is just demanding too much juice. Most times the NOCO is required for a start, though admittedly, the battery in it is 4.5 years old and I have a new one ready to go in after starter replacement.

So, it looks like this is another wonderful repair experience. Are there any tips for me, besides lots of alcohol? Info is very sparse on the subject but from what I gather dropping the exhaust, lowering the subframe, and some other BMW fun might be involved... There was literally ZERO info in TIS regarding the starter replacement (excepting M54). Haven't checked the Bentley yet, will do so now.

Let me have it. Tell me I'm in for a wonderful time.

[wpoll]

I can't help much with getting the starter out (and back in!) of the car but once you get it out, service it, don't replace it. The factory starters are well made and if the brushes are in good condition, then all it needs is a good cleaning, removing all the carbon from between the commutator segments, a good re-lube in all the right places and viola - it'll run like new.

Regarding getting it out, it seems that on some N64B48 powered cars it's possible to pull the starter up from the top. once it's all unbolted from below. Don't know if this applies to the N62B48 e53 though - I can imagine the clearances are tight!

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Well, the time has come at 133000 miles in the 4.8. I have been driving the X5 sparingly, as always, but now have to travel with the 1000A NOCO booster because the starter is just demanding too much juice. Most times the NOCO is required for a start, though admittedly, the battery in it is 4.5 years old and I have a new one ready to go in after starter replacement.



So, it looks like this is another wonderful repair experience. Are there any tips for me, besides lots of alcohol? Info is very sparse on the subject but from what I gather dropping the exhaust, lowering the subframe, and some other BMW fun might be involved... There was literally ZERO info in TIS regarding the starter replacement (excepting M54). Haven't checked the Bentley yet, will do so now.



Let me have it. Tell me I'm in for a wonderful time.

So in a question that is in NO WAY connected with your upcoming work....

How many various lengths of extensions and joints do you have in your toolbox?

It's not a fun experience but it's definitely doable, on a lift is best although there is some back and forth work, top then bottom or vice-versa (can't remember) if it was half loosening top then all bottom.

If possible you may be able to clean it out with slome FLASH (military) electrical cleaner "it's also drinkable" and a stiff shapeable tube to direct the cleaner without fully removing the starter.

PS. It's Valentines day so plan accordingly on what you will spend time on, also saying "Well, Happy fk'n Valentines day" is apparently NOT as funny as I thought.....

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[X5chemist]

Would a 3.0i starter fit? I have an OEM one that was still working. I replaced it as preventative maintenance. The intake was off. I couldn't resist replacing it since it was so easy. If they are possible to clean up, you can have it for use. It's just sitting in a box collecting dust. Maybe one day, I'll take it apart out of curiosity.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by wpoll

I can't help much with getting the starter out (and back in!) of the car but once you get it out, service it, don't replace it. Ther factory starters are well made and if the brushes are in good condition, then all it needs is a good cleaning, removing all the carbon from between the commutator segments, a good re-lube in all the right places and viola - it'll run like new.

Regarding getting it out, it seems that on some N64B48 powered cars it's possible to pull the starter up from the top. once it's all unbolted from below. Don't know if this applies to the N62B48 e53 though - I can imagine the clearances are tight!

I saw one of your other comments on the subject in another thread about keeping the old unit for its superior quality. I have a Bosch reman going in with an associated core charge. But it's only $75 so maybe I'll keep and rebuild the old unit myself. We'll see how motivated I am.

Originally Posted by EODguy

So in a question that is in NO WAY connected with your upcoming work....

How many various lengths of extensions and joints do you have in your toolbox?

It's not a fun experience but it's definitely doable, on a lift is best although there is some back and forth work, top then bottom or vice-versa (can't remember) if it was half loosening top then all bottom.

If possible you may be able to clean it out with slome FLASH (military) electrical cleaner "it's also drinkable" and a stiff shapeable tube to direct the cleaner without fully removing the starter.

PS. It's Valentines day so plan accordingly on what you will spend time on, also saying "Well, Happy fk'n Valentines day" is apparently NOT as funny as I thought.....

I was figuring the go-go-gadget extensions that are only used when I remove transmissions would become necessary for this task.

Think I'll skip attempting to clean the starter in situ in favor of replacement, though how is the taste on the FLASH?

As to V-day... it's just another day in our household brochacho. Haven't given each other a Valentine's day gift since we were dating. And that was last done 25 years ago. So I'll be in the garage all day...

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Would a 3.0i starter fit? I have an OEM one that was still working. I replaced it as preventative maintenance. The intake was off. I couldn't resist replacing it since it was so easy. If they are possible to clean up, you can have it for use. It's just sitting in a box collecting dust. Maybe one day, I'll take it apart out of curiosity.

Not sure if the 3.0 starter would fit. Thanks for the offer but I have a rebuilt unit here ready to go in. Might rebuild the original unit though based on wpoll's commentary as to the downward spiral of quality on these starters over the years.

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I was figuring the go-go-gadget extensions that are only used when I remove transmissions would become necessary for this task.



Think I'll skip attempting to clean the starter in situ in favor of replacement, though how is the taste on the FLASH?



As to V-day... it's just another day in our household brochacho. Haven't given each other a Valentine's day gift since we were dating. And that was last done 25 years ago. So I'll be in the garage all day...

Flash tastes exactly like torpedo fuel.... strange that I know that! But it's strong enough that a fingers worth in a canteen cup mixed with Tang power will get you a good buzz AND crack your lips open from the strength. It is basically medical grade drinking alcohol with a bouquet of metal can and burning flesh.

The garage is probably safest as math proves that Valentines day makes Thanksgiving babies...

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