Ignition switch swap

[Deddi]

I'm going to change ignition switch today to see if non-starting issue is that. Do I need to disconnect battery at all? Cheers

 

[wingnut]

I think its always best as a precaution to disconnect the battery when doing that type of work.
I had similar problem some time back and found various youtube clips that were helpful, similar unit on several BMW models.

Good Luck

 

[Deddi]

Thanks wingnut.

 

[Ducklakeview]

You don't need to disconnect the battery, just make sure the key is out. It's a 10 min job.

Mike

 

[Deddi]

Ok I’ve changed the switch but still no starting. Thought I’d give the starter motor a whack but can’t find it! Where is it please?

 

[Deddi]

All the pictures I see on the internet show it on the passenger side. Can you see it looking from above?

 

[mjennings23]

Passenger side, rear of the engine. You'll see where it's mounted, the motor itself sits under the intake manifold so it's a bit hard to spot first time. I've found you can only really see the mount, but there's plenty of space to get arms in near it.

First time I looked I set my phone to video mode and stuck it in the gap between the engine and the strut tower/electrical box, quite clear to see then

 

[Deddi]

Thanks. Found it! Whacked it as much as possible whilst my wife turned key. Almost cranked enough to start a couple of times but not quite enough. So looks like a new starter is required. Will start searching now. Hard to see, how many bolts hold it on? Cheers

 

[Yorkie Z]

I believe it's 3 bolts if I remember correctly. It's only about an hour to change. Just be patient as it's a little tricky to reach

 

[mjennings23]

2 nuts holding wires on, 10mm and 13mm I believe, and 2 E12 bolts holding it to the casing. You can see the E12 bolts from above, they screw in towards the engine from firewall side.

 

[Deddi]

Thanks for advice. Starter is ordered and I'll give it a go.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Hard to see, how many bolts hold it on?

Depends on your engine, if you have N52 there are two and they are Ali torque + angle and single use.

 

[Deddi]

Yes i have the N52 engine. Anyone replaced starter motor without taking loads of stuff off first? Scooba_Steve Steve, you saying I need to chuck them and get new ones? I imagine they're special and hard to find?!