Starter removal 3.0L
 

Has anyone replaced their starter ?
I cant find a DIY.
Do I remove the large aluminum skid plate ?
I read one post where someone mentioned having trouble with one bolt ??
(2002 3.0L)
Thanks.

Anyone ?

The trick in getting to the difficult bolts is using long extensions with a swivel/flexi joint.

According to TIS 12 41 020, "do not remove reinforcement plate".
Disconnect negative battery cable.
Disconnect +ive lead from starter
2 bolts hold the starter on to the bell housing - remove.(33 ft-lb/45Nm).
Inspect starter pinion gear/bendix and flywheel teeth for damage before replacing starter.

"do not remove reinforcement plate"? I don't think it's possible to remove the starter without removing the reinforcement plate(at least on 4.4).

Removing the plate is like 10 minutes job.

The OP asked about a 3.0.
I gave information from the TIS issued by BMW that says "do not remove installation plate".
The manufacturer thinks that the starter can be removed.
According to TIS 4.4 requires reinforcement plate to be removed.

I'm changing the starter on my 3.0i right now, and I cannot even see the starter, and am assuming that its hidden by the large, triangular, skip plate, aka the reinforcement plate? Anyone know for sure before I go and remove this bad boy that looks to have some weight on it...

update,

I have located the starter; driver's side of engine bay, upper area of tranny bell housing... I can put a hand on one bolt, but have no clue how to get to the other bolt. I'm wondering if it would be easier to do this from the top of the engine compartment rather that from below, it is that high on the tranny. There are tons of fuel lines, wiring lumes, and other stuff that of course is very much in the the way from below... ERG! these are the times when I question my purchase...

skrach77

I just posted a full write up of what I did, it should be listed in the main forum threads...

skrach77

Since replacing your starter have you had any problems with your X as a result or did everything go back as you were? Just asking because I'm going to have to have my starter replaced soon. It's scratching whenever I crank and always was when I bought it and dealer agreed to repair it (not the bmw stealership, though). But he said he didn't want to replace it right away if he didn't have to. I guess he wants to wait until I get stranded somewhere. Any pointers?? I will search for your DIY.