Removal and installation the starter (BMW 5 Series E28)

If the starter is faulty, it should be replaced or sent to an auto electrician for repair. Major repairs to the starter at home are not practical, even if spare parts are available. However, the traction relay can be replaced (see section Removal and installation the traction relay).

Removal

If your vehicle's radio is equipped with an anti-theft system, make sure you know the correct activation code before disconnecting the battery. Before disconnecting the wire, refer to Section Anti-theft audio system and instrument cluster language.

If a message in another language appears on the instrument cluster display after connecting the battery, refer to Section 1 for the language setting procedure Anti-theft audio system and instrument cluster language.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Raise the vehicle and support it on stands.

3. Mark the wires connected to the starter and traction relay terminals, then disconnect the wires.

On some models it is necessary to remove the air cleaner (see chapter Power supply system), expansion tank of the cooling system (see chapter Cooling system) and heater hoses to provide access to the top of the starter. To avoid errors when connecting later, carefully label all hoses and components that are removed in the engine compartment.

4. Working under the vehicle, remove the lower starter mounting bolt and nut (shown by arrows) and remove the starter.





Removing the starter from the M40 engine.

Installation

Installation is the reverse of removal.