Any tips on starter replacement? (M50)

[RobbiesE34]

Over the past week, it's been increasingly difficult to start my car (no crank, no start). I use to be able to start it on the 2nd try. Now it will only start about 1 out of every 10+ tries. Its been very inconsistent. When starting fails, all I hear is a click. I've checked battery voltage/cca, both linkable fuses, ground, relay module, starter relay, and all relevant fuses. Still same problem.

So now I am pretty sure it is the starter that is causing these problems. I want to bang on it a few times, but it seems like it is buried under the intake manifold, I can barely even see it.

Anyhow, are there at Youtube vids on this procedure? I have the Bently manual, but it seems a bit short on describing the procedure.

[katit2]

Well. Bentley has a keyword - remove intake manifold. There is many topics (search Starter) word in titles, common knowledge says remove intake... Some say it can be replaced without removing but it will be hard.

[whiskychaser]

Before you remove the starter, maybe ensure that the trigger signal is actually arriving at the solenoid? You could use a couple of wires and a 12v bulb - a lot easier to see and more practical than a meter - if you are working on your own.

[bigsixe34]

Your life will be 100x easier after removing the intake. You can also just briefly turn the key with the unit removed from the block to check for functionality of the gear.
In short, follow the pages in the Bentley for M50 Intake Manifold Removal and the 3 (or so) bolts holding the starter will be self explanatory.