Removal & Installation: Starter: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Turn ignition off. Disconnect and cover battery negative terminal. See BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE .
Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear underbody protection.
Remove screws and remove reinforcement plate on front axle support.
Remove nut and disconnect leads from starter motor. See Fig 1 . Work is shown in figure from above and without intake air manifold. DO NOT remove intake air manifold. Perform procedure from below.
Remove both starter motor-to-transmission mounting bolts (1). See Fig 2 . Remove starter mounting bolts with a long extension and a universal joint. Withdraw starter motor from transmission flange and remove towards bottom.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Battery Positive Leads From Starter Motor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Removing Starter Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.