Replacing the starter on a 735I (85)

[Grover1234]

Hey everyone.
I have a 1985 735I that the starter decieded to go south on. I tried to remove the starter myself, but from what I can see there is noway to get the starter out without removing the intake manifold. Is there an easy way to get this freggin thing out of the car?


Also is anyone out there selling an exhauset system for this car? From the manifold on back? Mine rotted out and is VERY spendy for new parts

Thanks

[libertylover]

I found some info on www.roadfly.org for a 735 that is a bit newer than yours but probably the starter R&R is the same or similar. Here's the first reply:

"If you have the 17mm box end wrench in your trunk's toolkit, that is the only tool you will need. Your eyes have to be your hands here. There are two bolts that need to be removed. It is easier to visualize if you have the new starter to look at. One of the bolts you can see (somewhat). It is behind and below the solenoid. The second one you cannot see. It is behind and under the engine, close to the firewall, and sits higher than the other bolt. Again, having the new starter makes it much easier to visualize.

"You will only be able to get a little movement at a time, so patience is critical. The bolts will come out though. Be sure you disconnect the appropriate wires from the solenoid before removing the 17mm bolts. The starter has some weight to it, and you don't want it to fall.

"I ran into difficulty in the cramped environment of my engine bay. The old starter came out w/no problem by the oil filter. The replacement starter would not go back through by the oil filter. This is because my 89 can use the 735 starter, which is considerably wider in diameter than the OEM 635 starter.

"I was able to finagle it thru the top of the engine comartment, by the ATF stick. It was a major PITA.

"For that reason, and for my lack of familiarity with the 735 engine bay, I definitely suggest getting the starter before you remove the old one, to make sure that you can get it in and out of the engine bay without too much difficulty."

And the second reply:

"Pickup a cheap set of metric wrenches & bend the 17mm one so you can reach one of the bolts(nuts)on the back side of the bellhousing.Harbor Freight has a set ($19.95 or so)that also has a 32mm that you can grind down & use for the nut on the engine fan. I don't remember which starter bolt that is a bit*h to get out, it's been a couple of years since I did mine."

Good luck!