12 41 020 Removing And Installing/Replacing Starter (N51, N52, N52K, N53, N54)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT:

Aluminum-magnesium materials.

No steel screws/bolts may be used due to the threat of electrochemical corrosion.

A magnesium crankcase requires aluminum screws/bolts exclusively.

Aluminum screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released.

Aluminum screws/bolts are permitted with and without color coding (blue).

For reliable identification:

Aluminum screws/bolts are not magnetic.

Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Switch off ignition
Clamp off battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD (CONVERTIBLE) or 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD (COUPE) .
Remove intake air manifold . See 11 61 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD (N52K) .

Unlock plug (1) and remove.

Unfasten nut.

Tightening torque, see 12 41 3AZ in 12 41 STARTER MOTOR WITH MOUNTING .

Remove battery positive lead (2).

Fig 1: Locating Battery Positive Lead & Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Installation:

Replace aluminum screws.

Tightening torque, see 12 41 1AZ in 12 41 STARTER MOTOR WITH MOUNTING .

Release screws (2).

Installation:

Replace aluminum screws.

Tightening torque, see 12 41 2AZ in 12 41 STARTER MOTOR WITH MOUNTING .

Remove starter motor (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Starter Motor & Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check starter pinion and ring gear for damage. Replace starter if necessary.