1981 320i starter install. Yes I know.

[Letmein]

Hi I'm new. I've seen other threads. I already have a direct replacement starter. And no receipt. So I need to use it. I'd like to know, indefinitely what NEEDS to be removed to take out old starter and replace. I only have a garage for a few days. I'm assuming needs jacked up. What gaskets/flanges need replaced if removing what certain components....i.e. intake,fuel distributor or what? So many people are saying too many different things. Is there a video or pics of the process. I need simple solutions as I'm on tight schedule. Can I just unbolt solenoid of new one and try that? Starter gets a crunch sound when it does engage and start. Then no start unless I tap solenoid. Thank you much.

[Letmein]

Hi I'm new. I've seen other threads. I already have a direct replacement starter. And no receipt. So I need to use it. I'd like to know, indefinitely what NEEDS to be removed to take out old starter and replace. I only have a garage for a few days. I'm assuming needs jacked up. What gaskets/flanges need replaced if removing what certain components....i.e. intake,fuel distributor or what? So many people are saying too many different things. Is there a video or pics of the process. I need simple solutions as I'm on tight schedule. Can I just unbolt solenoid of new one and try that? Starter gets a crunch sound when it does engage and start. Then no start unless I tap solenoid. Thank you much.

[shogun]

download this, study it, all explained https://e28goodies.com/wp-content/up...escomplete.pdf
19 Starter motor - in-vehicle check
Note: Before diagnosing starter problems, make sure the battery is fully charged.
1 If the starter motor does not turn at all when the switch is operated, make sure that the gear lever is in Neutral or Park (automatic transmission) or, where applicable, that the clutch pedal is depressed (manual transmission).
2 Make sure that the battery is charged, and that all cables, both at the battery and starter solenoid terminals, are clean and secure.
3 If the starter motor spins but the engine is not cranking, the overrun clutch in the starter motor is slipping, and the starter motor must be renewed.
4 If, when the switch is actuated, the starter motor does not operate at all but the solenoid clicks, then the problem lies either in the battery, the main solenoid contacts, or the starter motor itself (or the engine is seized).
5 If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, the battery is faulty, the switch is defective, the fusible link is burned-out (the circuit is open), or the solenoid itself is defective.
6 To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the battery (+) and the ignition switch wire terminal (the small terminal) on the solenoid. If the starter motor now operates, the solenoid is OK and the problem is in the ignition switch, starter inhibitor switch (automatic transmission models), clutch switch (some manual transmission models), or the wiring.
7 If the starter motor still does not operate, remove the starter/solenoid assembly for dismantling, testing and repair.
8 If the starter motor cranks the engine at an abnormally-slow speed, first make sure that the battery is charged, and that all terminal connections are tight. If the engine is partially seized, or has the wrong viscosity oil in it, it will crank slowly.
9 Run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached, then disconnect the coil HT lead from the distributor cap and earth it on the engine.
10 Connect a voltmeter positive lead to the battery positive post, and connect the negative lead to the negative post.
11 Crank the engine, and take the voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated. Do not allow the starter motor to turn for more than 10 seconds at a time. A reading of 9 volts or more, with the starter motor turning at normal cranking speed, is
normal. If the reading is 9 volts or more but the cranking speed is slow, the solenoid contacts are burned, there is a bad connection, or the starter motor itself is faulty. If the reading is less than 9 volts and the cranking speed is slow, the starter motor is
faulty or the battery is responsible (defective or discharged)
20 Starter motor - removal and refitting
Note: If the starter motor is defective, it should be renewed, or taken to an auto electrical specialist for repair. Overhaul of the starter motor is unlikely to be a practical proposition for the home mechanic, even if spare parts are available. However, the solenoid can be renewed separately (see Section 21).
Removal
Caution: If the radio in your vehicle is equipped with an antitheft system, make sure you have the correct activation code before disconnecting the battery. Refer to the information on page 0-7 at the front of this manual before detaching the cable.
Note: If, after connecting the battery, the wrong language appears on the instrument panel display, refer to page 0-7 for the language resetting procedure.
1 Detach the battery negative cable.
2 Raise the vehicle and support it securely on axle stands.
3 Clearly label the wires from the terminals on the starter motor and solenoid, then disconnect them. Note: On some models, it may be necessary to remove the air cleaner (see Chapter 4), coolant expansion tank (see Chapter 3) and the heater hoses to gain
access to the top of the starter. Carefully label any hoses or components that need to be removed from the engine compartment, to avoid confusion when reassembling.
4 Unscrew the mounting bolts and detach the starter (see illustrations).
Refitting
5 Refitting is the reverse of removal.
21 Starter solenoid - removal and refitting
Removal
Caution: If the radio in your
vehicle is equipped with an antitheft system, make sure you have the correct activation code before disconnecting the battery. Refer to the information on page 0-7 at the front of this manual before detaching the cable.
Note: If, after connecting the battery, the wrong language appears on the instrument panel display, refer to page 0-7 for the language resetting procedure.
1 Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2 Remove the starter motor (see Section 20).
3 Disconnect the cable from the solenoid to the starter motor terminal.
4 Remove the screws which secure the solenoid to the starter motor.
5 Detach the solenoid from the starter body.
6 Remove the plunger and plunger spring.
Refitting
7 Refitting is the reverse of removal