N52 Silver Top 3.0L

[chanlon1]

I’ve the silver top N52 3.0L engine (E86 coupe).

Looking to access and change the starter.
All videos and articles seem to indicate that it can be done without removing the manfold but I’ve not seen anyone do this on the silver top 3.0l engine.

Can anyone divulge info?
Really not wanting people to say “oh you can do it easily on a M54”…….

I think the manifold is going to have to come off. Just can’t see how you would access and change it due to all the cables etc in the way.

[swanny71]

Not a Z4 but these pics might help from when I did the job on my old 130i (N52 black top).

Elbow room is probably slightly better in the Z4 engine bay but I still think you’ll struggle without removing the inlet manifold - the starter motor bolts onto the ‘front’ end of the bell housing - those bolts and the cables are underneath the manifold.
It’s a tedious and sweary job but not difficult.

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[AveZ4coop]

I have done this recently on a silver top and the manifold needs to come off. Is actually pretty easy and whole job done in about an hour. Just be very careful when taking off the plastic manifold and don't overtighten when refitting. Also mark up the metal pieces of the inlet flap assembly at the bottom of the manifold as it is not obvious in which orientation it goes back on (you will need to take this off to free up the manifold before you try to seperate it from the head). I did not have the option of replacing any gaskets, but that seemed to be OK as I was careful and didn't damage them and I have had no issues since.

I can assure you that you cannot do it with the manifold on, as the starter motor will not fit out of the gap between the manifold and the block if the manifold is still in place. It took me several hours to get to that solution, so I hope I can spare you that heartache and bleeding knuckles.

I hope it all goes well.

[enuff_zed]

Is there that much difference to a black top then?
I unbolted the manifold and lifted it a bit.
There was a plug near the front that I disconnected as the lead pulled too tight.
That was about it.
Lifted the manifold enough to get to the bolts from the front with a ratchet and extension.
I do have fairly small hands though.

[pvr]

I can confirm it all worked once put back together as well, and the car starts like it has never started in my ownership. A pleasure to not have to worry if that engine cough would make it start.

[chanlon1]

Not a Z4 but these pics might help from when I did the job on my old 130i (N52 black top).

Thanks for the photos. Think I recognise your username from way back on babybmw? (I created it )

There’s quite a lot of connections and paperwork that need to be pulled off in order to fully remove the manifold. Not sure if I need to physically remove the whole thing or unbolt it and shift it to the side to be able to access the starter. Probably won’t know until I’m up to my eyes on it.
My new nuts, bolts and gaskets are in transit, so probably won’t be till Friday before I get a go again.

[swanny71]

Not a Z4 but these pics might help from when I did the job on my old 130i (N52 black top).

Thanks for the photos. Think I recognise your username from way back on babybmw? (I created it )

Knew I’d seen that gremlin avatar somewhere, babybmw was by far the best single marque forum on the internet when you were running the show.

Good luck doing the starter

[chanlon1]

Knew I’d seen that gremlin avatar somewhere, babybmw was by far the best single marque forum on the internet when you were running the show.

Good luck doing the starter

Thanks. I caved a couple of years ago and sold it to a Canadian company. Seems to still be going strong.

[chanlon1]

So, I managed to unbolt the manifold and move it to the side enough to access the starter motor.
Go the two bolts undone and the positive cable removed.
But…..when I unclipped the negative connection, the little metal spring clip flew off into oblivion
I know for sure it didn’t go down the air intake into the engine as I had all 6 closed off with paper towels.
No idea where the little fellow went.
So had to go hunting to find out if the part is available to buy.
Didn’t know where to look in RealOEM, but eventually found a reference to part 12521427615 on a forum.
Turns out you buy the end connector with the clip.
Phoned my local dealers. Two orders for tomorrow morning (spare just in case). Grand total £5.20.
Disaster averted.

[pvr]

Thank goodness your paper towel managed to stop a metal bullet

[chanlon1]

Just about enough room.

Old vs New.

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[enuff_zed]

Just about enough room.

Old vs New.

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There you go. Told you that's all you needed to do.

[chanlon1]

Car won’t start
Everything was plugged and connected up again. Including battery. Double checked all connections.
When I turn the key I get nothing. Starter motor red cable and negative (I attached the new spring clip today) were attached prior to the manifold going back on.

Now wondering if it could be related to immobiliser???
Any thoughts?

Creator c310+ came back with no fault codes.

Could it be the ignition switch at fault?

[enuff_zed]

Could it be the ignition switch at fault?

Yes

[chanlon1]

Could it be the ignition switch at fault?

.
Yes

Easy enough to do?
Does the steering wheel need to come off? I’ve seen a video which looks like it was done without removing it.