3.0 starter motor replacementd

[Tall Z Driver]

My 03 Z4 3.0 starter motor is on the way out, and it's time to replace it. For a couple months it's been making the brief grinding noise after start...kinda sounds like "kkkkkkkkkkkkk". It's also had trouble starting and wouldn't crank, but would usually come around. Went out yesterday and it wouldn't start at all, so not sure if it's bushings or the solenoid....but it's time to replace it.

For anyone that has done this job on a 3.0 M54 engine, did you have to remove the intake manifold? Some have reported removing the starter motor from underneath, but I'd like to avoid this if possible. If I do have to remove the intake manifold, are there any gaskets or things that should be replaced while I'm in that area? For reference it's an 03 3.0 with around 70K miles. Any DIY's would be helpful as well.

Thanks

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by Tall Z Driver

My 03 Z4 3.0 starter motor is on the way out, and it's time to replace it. For a couple months it's been making the brief grinding noise after start...kinda sounds like "kkkkkkkkkkkkk". It's also had trouble starting and wouldn't crank, but would usually come around. Went out yesterday and it wouldn't start at all, so not sure if it's bushings or the solenoid....but it's time to replace it.

For anyone that has done this job on a 3.0 M54 engine, did you have to remove the intake manifold? Some have reported removing the starter motor from underneath, but I'd like to avoid this if possible. If I do have to remove the intake manifold, are there any gaskets or things that should be replaced while I'm in that area? For reference it's an 03 3.0 with around 70K miles. Any DIY's would be helpful as well.

Thanks

I changed it without removing the intake manifold

[Dynamics99]

Change without taking off the intake manifold. There is enough space for you to slide the starter off the alignment pin. Remember to disconnect the battery! E14 Inverted Torx.

[Tall Z Driver]

Thanks all. I got it done with just taking the sound generator pipe out and moving some cables out of the way. A bit of a pain, but really not that hard if you have the right tools.

[bikesbikesbikesbikes]

now i see you got it fixed and i am sad i won't be helping you fix it this weekend