My hat is off to you...You are a master communicator and you have changed our life. We still have a 2005 330xi sitting in the driveway because I was able to follow your steps and do the job at a reasonable price (got a quote of $2500 change the CCV stuff that is leaking).. Most folks doing videos of complex stuff don't understand the power of the 'why', they just focus on the 'how' with the 'what' happening at the end, then we jump in and struggle with the how with the why being invisible.. Humans need storytelling to have the why burned into memory. You also break complex steps down into manageable pieces which gives us shade tree mechanics confidence. Every step is doable, when you do something. You also talk about the risks and go over the "might as well changed this and that", which is huge. I might also mention, you have enabled quality time with my son. We are building better bonds, thank you !... Does it even need mentioning that you are the 'light-master'? You put yourself in our shoes and understand that if we can't SEE what you are doing, a lot of value is lost... Cheers.. and can't wait for the next one.. I wish google had some way to pay you. I want to give you $50 for this video...

I learn so much about e46’s from you man, I really appreciate you sharing the knowledge!

Thank you for all the amazing videos, they are the best I've seen of any car repair video! That includes professionally done videos, yours is beyond theirs even. Haynes or Chilton should look up to you! After watching your video I was able to replace my starter no problem! Keep up the good work, and hard work! We all enjoy it. Glad you work on BMWs, we are a lucky community! For others: I was able to remove the torx bolts with a standard 3/8" box wrench, some extensions(sockets and extension bars) and a hammer, I removed the heater hoses to get leverage. So if you don't have special tools it's harder but still possible. Cheers! David.

I want to thank you so much for this video, my car was a bit different (2000 323ci) but the double wrench trick you showed really helped get those 2 starter bolts off. I even orderd a special etorx wrench for the job but it wouldn't even fit on the bolt on the lower right! The 3/8th wrench really did the trick. It was my first ever job I did by myself on my car.

Tks Chris. Just finished my starter install. Bmw wanted $1400 for this job. Saved me the $.

Even though my e46 is gone still like watching your videos you helped me so much in the past.

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you stickin around!

Best video I’ve seen on replacing a BMW Starter!!! The clarity and emphasis on the really small yet extremely important steps and the visuals was much appreciate!!!! You are a true rockstar!!!! Are you sure you aren’t a mechanic! Lol 😂 I’m a millennial and Always felt like I was born in the wrong era based on the music and societal views I hold and you have just confirmed!!!! God I wish I was a 50’s baby!!!! 😢😢😢 😂😂😂 Great Job Sir!!!!

I am 70's Kid, thanks a lot for this video. I am preparing my mind to do it by myself, with your tutorial of course. I know nothing about mechanic, except I have successfully installed a timing chain tensioner on an M60B40 engine- never have I felt so proud of myself. So am immensely gratified for your tutorials! Prosperous 2022 Sir!

@supdougs4487

2 жыл бұрын

Hey what’s up man I’m bouta replace my starter today after days of mentally preparing myself wish me luck man😂😭

Thanks for this excellent guide! I removed my starter engine, thought it was only the solenoid that was broken. Turned out that the motor was packed with residues from the brushes and that the commutator bar had kind of melted. I managed to remove the starter without removing the intake manifold, it was kind of tricky, but its possible.

Just want to thank you for the excellent instructions and tips in your BMW repair videos.

I love the comment "Am I going the right way?" We all have said that many times LOL

I watched your videos and is exactly what I needed to see. 1st time I have worked on a BMW. Thanks again for the info. So much appreciated. Thanks

Thank you I really appreciate the tutorial. I did find E14 fits entirely over those bolts vs E12 (2005 330xi)

3/8 box wrench is all I needed. As always thanks for the amazing videos! Cheers

Thank you very much for the video. The tip about the 3/8 ratchet wrench was great and make the job very easy.

I'm definitely going to make a specific wrench for this based on your video, thanks for making it. I dont see why you have to separate the fuel rail from the manifold though seems like you can reach behind and undo that quick connect but I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I do that part. I'm thinking the wrench will be a cheap 3/8 with welded nubins on the teeth, I'll use a test bolt outside the car to save myself the agony

Thanks for sharing this video. I have a 323 it just quit working. I pushed the car off and it started no problem. So the great work of the Starter to be replaced or at least I think.

Thank you! Needed to see the cable orientation and you showed it perfectly!

@jamo769

4 жыл бұрын

Did you/anybody figure out which of the 10mm wires went top vs bottom?? One of my small wires/10mm wires has a yellow strip on it

yes your very informative thank you for showing every one your skills with the bimmers ...you make it look so easy.

Great Video again Kid. You keep knockn it down, way to go.

I have been watching your videos and agree with D. Sunshine that your videos are the bees knees . I have been successfully guided by your help so just a thank you from me for making your videos. I'm just putting my ccv back on inlet manifold and putting back on the engine. Main reason for taking inlet off was to change crankshaft sensor but as I was in there already I may as well change ccv and ect as well as they all had done 85,000 miles but left starter in as it was working well although I did think maybe I should have change the starter as well. If I do need to go back in to change starter at a later date at least I will be more confident because I know what the task is now thanks to The Kid.

My rule of thumb for jobs like this is to spray the penetrating fluid on and then wait till the next day. Have always had much better luck with this method. Since you already replaced the starter the bolts came loose much easier than I'm sure they did the first time you replaced the starter, and look how difficult that was. Also, I found that 1. a 3/8" breaker bar works well because it swivels, allowing you to get a better angle at the bolt (plus better leverage), and, 2. a ratchet wrench is also excellent for when you've got the bolts loose as the bolts are somewhat long and you'll drop the wrench a lot less often, in fact, it frees up the other hand so you can hold the wrench on with a finger from that hand. Another thing, I see other videos showing how you can do this without removing the manifold, etc. and I just want to say that for the average diy'er this is a fool's errand and should be reserved for only the most experienced mechanics with the greatest amount of patience and a profound dislike for their hands and sanity. If you're doing this yourself, just think of what the thieving rat bastards would charge you to do the job and take the time to remove the manifold (and don't forget to replace the manifold gasket). And if you remove the throttle body (which I suggest one do being careful not to engage the butterfly valve in any way as this can possibly upset its settings) replace that gasket as well. These things are rubber and compress over time or become brittle. What I've seen happen with intake manifolds on these cars, because the manifolds are plastic, when the gaskets begin to fail they experience blow-by, usually at the bottom, and this creates air leaks. It's not common, but, now would be a good time to find out. The problem is, in this case of failure, there are inserts that are the most affected and these cannot be bought separately and only come with the manifold to a tune of, last time I checked, $800.00+ labor (yous in this case). When putting all of this shit back together (and especially since you've disturbed the wire going to the starter motor) be sure to make sure the wire going to the starter motor is well away from the throttle body (tie wrap it if necessary) as it has a tendency to find its way between the TB and the manifold and you will not be happy with the results. Have fun and remember, as John Steinbeck once wrote, "A job isn't completed until it's drawn blood."

Very Helpful series. You saved me several times replacing the starter on my E83 X3 3.0. Nearly identical. Can you tell me where the vacuum line goes from the front of the black plastic cannister to the right of the starter. I see the one at the back goes up to an elbow on the firewall.

Help! I'm working my way through a starter replacement...when I removed the old one, it came loose even before I totally loosened the lower bolt,...then I notice the much-discussed guide pin wasn't there, and my replacement doesn't have one either. I gather from what I've read it's pretty important. I also had nuts on the end of my starter mounting Torx bolts, which I don't see on yours. Any thoughts?

Man you vids are so well done and So Helpful! Thank you

I do the same repairment, on the same BMW, but from under the car. From there it's not nesesery to remove the intake and the gascet under it. In fact, it"s faster. This is just a opinion sharing, you do great job.

Is there similar access to the starter motor on an e46 320cd under the intake?

what is next to the starter ( driver side) that black vacuum line i cant figure out where it goes.

FYI Your E46/M54 videos are also perfect instructionals for the early M54 powered E83 X3. Im guessing that means they are also compatible with the early X5s and similar time frame 5 series sedans and wagons. Maybe consider changing your video titles to include those models so people know some of your videos will apply to other BMWs, not just E46s. Great videos,....the best on youtube on these subjects in my opinion. Thanks for putting in all the time and effort to help out the DIY community

Any typical oil leaks on the e46 while the manifolds off that should be replaced?

How about a situation when the starter motor bendix only slips when the car is hot and been driving a while, but when the car is cold or in the mornings starts with just one kick?!

hi asking about reaching the crankshaft position sensor from under the car please and did you do video about it ?

I did this last year , make sure you use a flex head 3/8 ratchet with a small diameter head . I had to go to a local wholesale tool store to get the ratchet because the one I had was to big to get to the bolts

50s Kid, is there anything special to know when removing aluminium skid plate? I lost 1 of the nuts from the intake manifold. I dropped it when removing the nuts. I dont see it in the cylinder heads but don't want to chance it.

The automatic subtitles think the sound of your socket driver is applause so every time you remove a nut it says [applause] like there's a studio audience who are so proud of you for removing that one nut.

Broooo thank you I was not trying to drop the trans again I thought i was gonna have to but now I know I can get to it from the bay shiiittt even better 😮‍💨

I replaced my starter yesterday yet when I primed up my fuel to turn it on it finally cranked but it didn't turn on and after I had to press my gas a couple of times in order to start it but it would go in to limp mode after

Hello! Love your videos a lot. I think I've watched every E46 one. I was wondering why you used a 3/8th" box wrench instead of an E12 Torx socket for those bolts. Thanks!

The correct tool for the starter bolts are female or boxed end wrenches that are for torx head bolts and the one on top I used an E12 and the lower one more to the drivers side I couldn't get an E12 on it but an E14 fit it. You can pick up a set of these torx wrenches on Amazon for $13.99 and that way you don't risk stripping the heads out cause these bolts are in a tough spot if they have to be cut or. Drilled out. Might even have to pull The engine & trans so I highly recommend using the correct tool and its not as critical. To keep that wrench pushed up on the bolt head as tight

I just did this same job on my e46 m3 - use a flexible 1/2 inch ratchet to break the lock, then use a flexible ratchet spanner 10mm and they come out fairly easy. I found the hose joint immediately above the starter leaked at the joint when I touched the hose

@aspectcarl

7 жыл бұрын

Shon C took about 2 hours, got distracted by a leaking coolant hose

Did you drop the gearbox/transmission to get to the bolts on the starter???

Thank you for the 3/8th wrench trick on the E12 starter bolt heads. My flex head ratchet was able to fit onto the lower bolt, but not the upper (even with a big pry bar to pull the engine forward). Without this trick I would likely have put a 9mm round or two into it and drank whisky for the rest of the day ;)

Can you really get to the Crank Position sensor from underneath with a AWD XI?

Great video as always! On my 325i there was more room in the bottom to take that bottom bolt out. I noticed that on your car where the crankshaft sensor is located that black rounded thing is not there in mine.

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's a vacuum reservoir for the exhaust flap that's only on the 330s.

Hey dude, as soon as I get excited about doing some of this stuff, I see you using compressed air (snap on) tools. Can I do this stuff with regular stuff (tools)?

Hi, What do you do if that 10mm is wore out and the spanner couldnot unscrew it?

Hi i have a really weird thing going on with my 323ci. I had the great idea to scan the car from the obd1 20pin conector, got the cable converter to obd2 and everything was fun and games but now it do not start. It do ignition normally i can run a scan from the obd2 and will read fine but when turn the key for start it do nothing. The interesting situation is that if i do ignition and jump the starter it will start. I need some guide in this situation please. Anyone have an idea? Thanks

I've seen people saying that you need to use new bolts because they are aluminum, is it true on the e46 M52?

is this part of the "engine rebuild" - series?

oh man, im having a little intermittent crank delay. i first noticed it about a year ago, it was just like a fraction of a second delay before it started after i turned the key. Then it went away, didnt do it for a long while. started again yesterday. not everytime i start the car, but its even a bit longe now. Maybe a second, second and a half. is this a sign the starter is going bad. also, ive got the dreaded p0340 code after replacing both CPSs with hella brand sensors. now im getting regular hard starts and sometimes a stall at idle. i find that if I just jog the starter a little the first time, the next time it starts right up. whats been your experience with the p0340 code?

Any tips if u hav stript the starter bolt guys

It Amazes me that you get thumbs down, You have Great How 2 Videos. Thank You

Why wouldn't bmw put those bolts on the otherside? Im doing this right now. My e12 with flex ratchet won't fit. So I'm trying this.

if anyone can help at 6.52 what cable plugs into the brass plug under the intake is it short or long ??? i think i didnt plug that back in....... or may have pluged what suppose to plug into that to the back of the manifold....... my temp gauge hits red when cold now fml

Hey please help I got out all the bolts but the starter is not coming out its lost but won't come out

Setrum dinamo stater g ad bagian swit apa riley sp dinamo

Will a starter drain your new battery over night?? I need help I bought new alternator new batteries did a parasitic test nothing please lmk

Whats that hose at 3:24 right on his hand. The left one

Anyone know what that black cylinder to the bottom right of the starter is ???

12:30 I was wondering earlier why you didn't lightly stuff some shop towels down to the valves to prevent foreign objects from falling in.

Thank you very much, great job

What if I put the alternator cable first and the other cable second? On 12:09 Is that why my battery light came on?

I cut the obd to an e46 and now it doesn't start, it shorted, what could it be?

Hi, why my bendix engage out of car and when put in bmw click and starter turno but not flywheel?

Thanks for the useful video

Honestly been thinking about picking one up.

There is a good chance that the bar from your jack fits right over your breaker bar for more leverage.

Bro....I love you , man

If it wasn’t for 50 kids we all be lost in the sauce lol 😂 so thank god for him lol

Hey Jason! Man... I stripped the head on the upper starter bolt. Got any suggestions? I'm open to anyone's words of experience here.

Do you disconnect the battery or not

Thanks for the help!

I used a 10mm wrench for the starter man it took me 30 min to remove 1 bolt but aye it’s all I had to work with

I know this is 3 years ago but is this an auto? I don't have a plate on my manual between engine and transmission and wondered if I need one.

2:12 Is that number the engine one? Thank you.

The mechanic's prayer: "Hopefully it stays on there and doesnt strip off the head"

Can't wait for the "rebuild job" !!! I'll take one day off and buy some popcorn :D ...oh, sorry boss, gotta see it!

I could not get two fingers on that lower star bolt, so I couldn't back it out by hand. Couldn't get a 3/8" wrench in there either. Used a 1/4" tilt/flex head ratchet. I didn't time myself, but spent well over an hour backing out those two bolts! Undamaged, as I used an E14 star/torx socket. I hate this starter job!

hello I had a weak crank slowly it started getting worse and now no crank at all ..there is no corrosion on cables is it possible it's the starter ?

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

It's more likely the battery. Does it measure at 12.6 volts with a multimeter?

hey I have a 2000 323i new battery , no corrosion on the wires cranked it up like normal went to the store came back to the car tried to start it back it,but no crank,no clicking noises,fuel pump comes on,horn blows,all the lights on the dash comes on like normal , had the car for about 4 -5 years never change the starter could that b my problem? I also tried getin underneath the car and hitin the starter while turning the key

@adamahmadpour8036

6 жыл бұрын

jimmar payne ever figure this out? I’m having the same problem

@AlejandroGomez-ex2bq

6 жыл бұрын

Adam Ahmadpour me too 😅

@tonyrodriguez2260

5 жыл бұрын

I have a no crank no start . Just out of the blew . I don’t know what it could be . What was your solution

@oooooo387

5 жыл бұрын

ews

yet another very informative video.. can I ask how come you don't apply copper grease to terminals to help it release easier later on & also to minimise any water penetration etc?!

@malp6280

7 жыл бұрын

Austin Chase rust doesn't only appear after metal is exposed to water, there's also electrolytic corrosion also + other forms.. anyway using copper grease is a good practice in any climate

In the uk this model goes to 06.. I have a 2006.. I swear you have bags more room between your starter and the firewall than I have on mine!!!

Hi 50sKid my 2006 bmw x5 has a weak crank even new battery installed what should i do to check thank you

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Check the battery cables for corrosion.

Man, this DIY is super helpful but my starter is completely seized onto that alignment dowel. It will not come off. I've tried using a 5 ft pry bar and it still won't come off even after soaking it in PB blaster... The 2 E12 bolts are off.

Do you still take questions from your veiwers. Or just your sponcers?

1 person didn't have the 3/8 box wrench...

Thank you! ❤

Was the replacement starter the same size? My replacement Bosch starter is shorter. I checked the Bosch auto part website and they state I have the right model.

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah I pulled an OEM starter from a junkyard. If your replacement is shorter it might just be a newer motor. As long as the part with the bendix gear is the same it should engine and start the car.

Its only 2 bolts?

Hi 50's kid. How to test a starter? Before replacing it I would like to rest it first. Thanks.

@50sKid

2 жыл бұрын

Put power directly to the starter solenoid

@jongkeunlee

2 жыл бұрын

@@50sKid oh I see. Thanks.

How many hours should a shop take to do this job? I just paid $750 for parts and labor on a starter and battery. And then a week later I paid $750 for a fuel pump and filter replacement.

@simontopspreadplastering5209

5 жыл бұрын

Jeff J not that much! Next time watch a KZread video and do it your self on your day off mate!

I know it's common sense but always disconnect the battery when working with hot starter leads.

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Yep that was part of removing the intake manifold because you have to remove the battery lead from the B+ terminal.

@lovesledingturbo2505

4 жыл бұрын

@@50sKid you do not need to remove the battery lead, i've removed the intake manifoild myself and didnt need to remove it

@brookemcquale5096

4 жыл бұрын

@@lovesledingturbo2505 Yeah, why be safe. Dude, you know why mechanics with all of their fingers don't wear their wedding rings? Because those who did don't have wedding ring fingers. Remember, you're replacing the starter motor where you will be removing the (that) battery cable where there is a high likelihood you will experience unwanted arcing. Given that gas fumes are a possibility I would say that taking the time to remove the cable is better than looking like the guy I knew who used to work at the auto parts store I frequented. I think his lips were from a cadaver's ears; he didn't get many dates from what I understand. Just do it, you don't want ear-lips (worse than hare-lips) do you?

@lovesledingturbo2505

4 жыл бұрын

Brooke McQuale dude, i was talking about the secondary battery lead thats in your engine room. Ofc u wanna disconnect your battery before changing the starter. But u dont need to remove the lead thats over your engine...

@brookemcquale5096

4 жыл бұрын

@@lovesledingturbo2505 Because it is connected to the starter motor and is live

Jason, I love your videos, but gosh I feel sorry for how many used parts you put your BMW through 😂 it reminds me so much of my dad, he's run into so many problems with used or remanufactured parts. Yes, brand new is always more expensive, and everyone has to decide what is best for their situation, but poor car. 😂😭

or you can get an external torx wrench set

Would an E Torx spanner not make removing the bolts easier?

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Yes but they are not common in the US and I haven't bought them because bleh. :-)

@dbarbush

4 жыл бұрын

they are common now according to a quick search. what size is required? I didn't hear that on the first go and that's why I'm scrolling the comments.

@ozstriker4075

4 жыл бұрын

@@dbarbush you can buy a set of 4 double headed E torx spanners for a reasonable price. However I had a look at my tool chest and as well as the straight spanners, I have a single double headed E10/E12 ratchet spanner, and I can't recall using that for anything, so pretty sure it's that size. It's a tight fit, and I attached a another bar on to it to get extra leverage

What tool did you use to remove the nuts? I need that tool!

@kingsleycostain644

7 жыл бұрын

Nvm you said it at the end of the video..lol..Thank you!

How did you get the lower intake boot back on? I had a huge pain putting mine back on tight with the hose clamp

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how to answer this question.. I just put it on. Make sure your clamp is loose enough to get it on first, maybe that's your issue?

@erickalamo702

7 жыл бұрын

The boot fit on perfectly but it was the problem of tightening the hose clamp since there is literally no room in that area. Did you use like a swivel extension to give you a better angle?

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Look at my common repair steps video. I believe I show it all in detail in there.

lot of work is done here

You took the words out of my mouth. I was gonna say ratchet wrenches would make this job super easy.

Couldn't you replace those goofy torx type bolts with regular bolts while you're here?

@50sKid

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah but I like to keep things pure for the next video I have to do. Want to show people how to get *these* bolts off, not my special one off bolts.