N52 Starter Motor Replacement

[chanlon1]

Thanks to the recent posters for bringing this back to the main page....my starter motor has stuck a couple of times in the last couple of weeks so I might have to take this replacement on. The guide looks great to kudos to the author...very helpful

Are you a black or silver top engine?

 

[darich]

Black top engine.

 

[darich]

I've reached step 7 and I'm struggling to get the clip off. Haven't attempted the 13mm bolt yet.
Starter motor is unbolted and away from the bellhousing but still connected via the cables.

What a nightmare trying to undo the clips when you've no idea how they open up!

 

[chanlon1]

I've reached step 7 and I'm struggling to get the clip off. Haven't attempted the 13mm bolt yet.
Starter motor is unbolted and away from the bellhousing but still connected via the cables.

What a nightmare trying to undo the clips when you've no idea how they open up!

Is it the black plastic clip that has the metal clip on it? If so, just get thin nosed pliers, or flat blade screwdriver and wedge the clip out. If you are careful, the metal clip will come away from the black plastic housing and stay attached. If you pull the metal clip out too far, it will come away from the black plastic, but can easily be shoved back on again. Just try to avoid dropping it.......

 

[darich]

It's actually both cables.
I managed to get a 13mm ring spanner onto the bolt but no way of turning it.
I've now unbolted thevm red cable from the bulkhead so that allows a bit more movement of the starter. But still struggling.
And even if get it disconnected, I have my doubts that it can be removed without taking off the intake manifold.

 

[darich]

Success!!
Managed to get everything disconnected and got the starter out.

Unfortunately, in the process of doing so, I've lost the metal clip that secures the small black cable to the end of rhe starter. Is it critical?

 

[chanlon1]

Unfortunately, in the process of doing so, I've lost the metal clip that secures the small black cable to the end of rhe starter. Is it critical?

Thats exactly what I was trying to say. If you pull the clip off it very easy for it to get lost.
You do need it, as without it, the plug won’t stay on.
I ended up buying a new end connection just to get the metal clip. It wasn’t very much. We’re talking only a few quid.
I’ll look and see if I can find out where I got it. Dealers or eBay.

 

[chanlon1]

I think what you need is part 12521427615
You need to buy the whole plug, just to get the metal clip.
Try you local dealer or eBay
https://ebay.us/m/tKiQ5J

 

[darich]

Thanks.
After I posted it got my magnetic tool out and went fishing. Couldn't see it but after raking about for a bit it turned up!!
So thankfully I'm all set for reinstallation once it returns from the refurb shop



Thanks for the pointers and help!!
Cheers!

 

[chanlon1]

 

[darich]

[ref]lucasxdiniz[/ref],

Fantastic guide....got my starter out, refurbished, amd I'm now well on the way to Refitting.
Thank you!!

One small point.....it's an E16 bolt...not E14.
I bought new bolts from bmw and the E16 is a perfect fit.

Othewise...top notch