Starter Motor location on E86 3.0

[chanlon1]

So fairly sure my starter motor is on its way out.
Had a look in the engine bay to get a feel of how easy/difficult it would be to change.

Being stupid, I couldn't see anything that looked like a starter motor

All the pics and videos I have seen have been on other Z4 engines, not the 3.0L.

People suggest using a hammer to tap the motor to see if that helps....but I have no idea what to tap.

Anyone able to describe/link to a photo/video etc?

thanks

 

[Zedebee]

Same place in all the M54 and N52 variants, left hand side of the block under the inlet manifold, towards the back of the engine where it meets the gearbox housing. Difficult but not impossible to see. Also difficult but not impossible to replace without removing major components, although it’s more by feel than direct line of sight.

You won’t be able to tap it with a hammer directly, but a strategically placed length of wood or breaker bar should reach it.

 

[Rockhopper]

Left hand side means as you are sitting in the car, if you are standing infront looking at the engine it’s on the right hand side.

 

[MikeyH]

Much easier to remove on the 2.2 luckily as mine went shortly after I bought it. :thumbsdown: It comes out from the top without removing anything but on yours you will have the sound generator in the way.

 

[pvr]

There is a good detailed thread on here for the 3.0si without removing components

 

[chanlon1]

There is a good detailed thread on here for the 3.0si without removing components

I think I found that thread as it talked a lot about doing by feel rather than sight.
On a scale of 1-10, where does the difficulty sit?
I know you have three bolts to remove and a plastic connector, but are there any other complications etc?

 

[chanlon1]

There is a good detailed thread on here for the 3.0si without removing components

was it this one? https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116463

 

[pvr]

There is a good detailed thread on here for the 3.0si without removing components

was it this one? https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116463

Yep

 

[chanlon1]

There is a good detailed thread on here for the 3.0si without removing components

was it this one? https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116463

Yep

I was sprawled over my engine bay earlier with a torch to see if I could match what I was looking at, with what was on the video. I mustn't be looking hard enough cause the only "snap" that was happening were my limbs

I need to revisit it again and maybe look at seeing if I can remove the sound generator to give a bit more space. If I dont know what I am looking at or for, I'm sure as hell not going to put a ratchet down there and start unbolting whatever nut comes to touch first

Is the replacement feasible from below?

 

[MikeyH]

It is not that easy to see even without the sound gen, you need to look quite low down by the clutch housing. It's I think black and has 2 small wires coming out the back and one thick one.

 

[pvr]

Well, my Z is in the air so I am attacking that either from below or from the top. I won’t be laying on top as that is a bit high from the floor :lol:

I have the new one ready to go in though

 

[chanlon1]

Well, my Z is in the air so I am attacking that either from below or from the top. I won’t be laying on top as that is a bit high from the floor :lol:

I have the new one ready to go in though

Paul, two questions.
1. What make of new starter did you go for? Any links etc.
2. Let me know if you think it can be tackled from underneath. It’s another week or so before I’ll have the car on a proper ramp, so interested to know.

 

[pvr]

I got it from autodoc as it was impossible to get the recommended units from anywhere as all sold out.

Part number dsn1375 (Denso)

 

[pvr]

Just had a look underneath but need to remove the under cover to see what I can get at. Not at this time of night and the car next to it has been dropping a fair bit of rainwater that has run onder the Z so need to hover that up tomorrow

 

[chanlon1]

Thanks Paul, let me know if you find anything underneath. I’ll take a look at sorting out a new unit from AUTODOC shortly.

 

[Zedebee]

I can’t see you being able to do it from underneath. I have a little mirror on an extendable pole (like a selfie stick) which with a hand torch is great for a recce before you go in blind.

 

[AveZ4coop]

I did mine in December.
I removed the air intake and intake manifold to access the starter (after trying the 'don't need to remove major components' methods without success for several hours), because it was impossible for me to remove the motor from underneath the manifold (Even using the methods described). As long as you are gentle with the manifold it is no major task, took just over an hour and is relatively simple to do. I stuck all the bolts I had to remove into a piece of card with a basic drawing of where they came from on it, so I didn't muddle up where they went back. Take a photo of the inlet valve orientation as well as this is not always clear on rebuild. Also you will need a pair of replacement starter motor bolts as they are single use. There is no access from below as the block and bell housing are directly underneath the starter.
I hope this helps

 

[pvr]

Thanks for that, saves me trying to see and waste my time

 

[chanlon1]

Thanks for the advice AveZ4Coop.
I guess the next question….easy to remove the manifold?

 

[AveZ4coop]

It is quite easy. Plenty of guides on here for removing the manifold (Basic rundown below). Just be gentle with the plastic components.

Take off the air filter box and inlet pipework. Remove plastic top cover from engine and unplug cabling in way of manifold bolts (Photograph beforehand if unsure of where it goes). Undo the (approx. 10) bolts retaining the manifold to the head (but don't try to remove yet). Undo and remove the 4 bolts on the inlet valve below the manifold. Gently prise of the inlet valve and retain the gaskets. GENTLY prise off the manifold from the head, it will still be retained by some wiring and pipework but will move enough to give you enough room to remove the starter motor.

Refitting is the same in reverse.