12 41 020 Removing and installing/replacing starter motor (N47 D16/20 K/U/O/T 1)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work:

Switch off ignition.
Clamp off BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Remove front UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
All-wheel drive vehicles only:
Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

Release screws (1).

Remove connecting piece (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Connecting Piece Screws

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Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2).

Partially detach sound insulation on the bottom.

Fig 2: Identifying Holder Screws

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Release nut (1) and remove cable.

Tightening torque 12 52 1AZ .

Release nut (2) and remove the positive battery cable.

Tightening torque 12 52 3AZ .

Release cable at clamp (3) from starter motor.

Fig 3: Identifying Positive Battery Cable Nut And Starter Motor Clamp

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Release screws (1), (2) and (3).

Remove starter motor.

Installation note:

Observe screwing sequence.

Position and secure starter motor. Tighten down screws (1) and (2). Tighten screw (3).

Tightening torque 12 41 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Starter Motor Screws

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Installation note:

Check starter pinion and ring gear for damage.

Replace damaged starter motor.

Assemble engine.

Only during starter replacement and on vehicles with MSA (automatic engine start-stop function):

Reset start counter using BMW diagnosis system.