Is it possible to remove starter bolts from the top?

[Steve530]

I recently replaced the flywheel and clutch on the 98 323is with a LWFW and a M3 clutch. Since then the starter has been making a strange sound. So I guess I need to remove the starter and see what's up there - examine the gear teeth and all.

After looking at the situation, it appears that it would be easier to remove the intake than pull the transmission. So the question is, can I get to the starter bolts if I remove the intake? Can I access them from the top? Can I get to them from the bottom without lowering the transmission?

Thanks.

[FierySphere]

I would imagine that a 98 323 has the threaded bellhousing holes for the starter motor. My G/F's 97 328i did.
On my 93 325is, the starter is held by traditional bolts *thru* the bellhousing, making it a b*tch to remove. It *can * be done from above without removing the intake manifold, by (this is how I did it the first time) taking 2 combo wrenches. One has to be 16mm IIRC, for the strater bolt nut, the other can be whatever can be interwined and taped to the first. A piece of tape across the face of the 16mm boxed end to hold the nut helps too. Person 1 snakes this down past the intake maifold to the starter nut, attempting to *not* touch both terminals on the starter (oohh sparks!!)
Then from beneath the car Person 2 takes a looooong entension (or several) and attacks the starter bolts from the trans side.

[Steve530]

Thanks for the info. I'm glad to say that the 98 323 starter has threaded holes. It sounds like I need to jack the car high enough to access the bolts from under the car. And remove the intake manifold so I can get it out.

BTW, you might want to disconnect the battery next time before working on the starter. :)

[Steve530]

Well, I got the starter problem fixed to today. I thought I'd add this post to answer the question.

The answer is... NO!

On the 98 323is, you have to access the starter bolts from under the car. You can, however, get to them without dropping the exhaust, drive shaft, and tranmission.

[UKFan4Sure!]

I would imagine that a 98 323 has the threaded bellhousing holes for the starter motor. My G/F's 97 328i did.
On my 93 325is, the starter is held by traditional bolts *thru* the bellhousing, making it a b*tch to remove. It *can * be done from above without removing the intake manifold, by (this is how I did it the first time) taking 2 combo wrenches. One has to be 16mm IIRC, for the strater bolt nut, the other can be whatever can be interwined and taped to the first. A piece of tape across the face of the 16mm boxed end to hold the nut helps too. Person 1 snakes this down past the intake maifold to the starter nut, attempting to *not* touch both terminals on the starter (oohh sparks!!)
Then from beneath the car Person 2 takes a looooong entension (or several) and attacks the starter bolts from the trans side.

Gee, how about disconnecting the battery?

[bitcore]

Well, I got the starter problem fixed to today. I thought I'd add this post to answer the question.

The answer is... NO!

On the 98 323is, you have to access the starter bolts from under the car. You can, however, get to them without dropping the exhaust, drive shaft, and tranmission.
Old thread, I know, but I have the same car and I'm in a pickle.

I've got my manifold off, and It's looking to me this is exactly what I'm going to do, except my friend, sort of, ROUNDED OFF the upper torx head with a 3/8 box wrench (or whatever the hell fits it).... Don't ask me how or why I let him try using that. I knew it was going to strip, and I watched it strip... I have the feeling I'm going to need to drop the transmission to get at it - but, dosent the starter bolt to the transmission!? Damnit I'm so confused, and pissed off. I quit working as soon as this happened since I knew I'd just screw things up more.
I honestly hate BMW right now...
98 323is