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I have a 1989 635 csi BMW and which needs the starter replaced. I was hoping to get some information on how to replace it. Two of my friends have been working on cars of there own for over 10 years. So I need to know how to get to it, where its located, and the best way to go about removing it. Any help would be appreciated

Casey Jones, here is what the service manual says:" 124 1 O2O REMOVING AND INSTALLING STARTER BMW 628 CSi / 635 CSi: Disconnecht hose for heater valve. Drain coolant. lnstallation: Pour in coolant*. Bleed cooling system - see 17 00 039. BMW M 635 CSi: Operate the brake pedal about 20 times to discharge the reservoir pressure.Unscrew pipe for power steering. Unscrew ground terminal on the battery {in trunk}. Unscrew lines (1 and 2). Pull off plug (3). When Replacing Starter;Take off cover for the solenoid switch and mount on new starter with straps 1275 mm (long). Cut off straps and take off cover for the solenoid switch. Unscrew and pull of leads. lnstallation; Check for correct installed position of the insulator for the B + lead. Unscrew mounting bolts and take off starter, A subsequently bent ring wrench could be used on the top bolt to improve accessability. Unscrew mounting bolts with a bent ring wrench and take off starter." also, check this site, awesome BMW info for the bigger BMW’s

That all looks good on paper but from my experience you need to remove the intake manifold completely before attempting to remove the starter because it takes too much time and busted knuckles to try it without…. So do yourself a favor, remove before. Added bonus: you get to clean up the intake before you reinstall and this could be nice if you sell it down the line.

Most sockets won’t fit on the top bolt of the starter because of where it sits. So I took a 17mm socket and cut it with my Dremel so there was just enough left to grab the top of the bolt. Then I shaved down the sides of the socket so it would fit in to the top of the bolt to get a grip on it. Then I ran an extension past the oil filter and loosened the bolt. I told my friend who sold me my new starter, that I could remove and install the new one in under 30min. He said if I could do that, the starter would be free! Well, I don’t need to tell you who is driving around with a new, free starter!

tools needed *17mm socket *Sears sell a Craftsman 17mm Socket, 6 pt. Flex Sears Item# 00943208000 | Model# 43208 *10mm and 13mm open end wrench to remove the batt..*small flash light and About 60 minutes of time

  1. First Remove the antifreez bottle, move it out of the way.
  2. Remove the + and - cables from the battery
  3. There are three wires attach to the starter (remover them)
  4. Remove the bottom bolt holding the started
  5. REMOVER THE INJECTORS WIRE HARNESS. there a clips holding the arness to the injectors/ take them off (try not to lose them)
  6. Use a flashlight to look in the hold under the injector wire harness between the manlfold to locate the top bolt of the starter.
  7. Use the 17mm flex socket on a 24inch extension just sit the socket on the bolt and turn it ( the socket will get stuck dont worry if will come free with you remove the starter.
  8. Take a 15 minutes time out.
  9. Now just work the starter out pointed end out first (between the brake booster and the anti freezz bottle.