S54 starter motor removal KNIGHTMARE

[S54addict]

So, I've already experienced this in the past when I tackled this on my M Coupe, and I obviously didn't learn my lesson as I'm now in to deep on my M3 manual coupe replacement. What a pain in the ... So I've removed the air box and intake manifold and 1 of the bolts that holds the starter but can I get the other one off? NO!!!! Because I don't have the exact tool I've been using a 3/8 spanner whilst locking on another for leverage, but I'm struggling, any suggestions which doesn't involve a gallon of petrol and a match

 

[Althulas]

Is there space to get a breaker bar with an extension or for a impact wrench? I’m near Banbury and can borrow if that helps.

 

[t-tony]

Would a "Tite Reach " help where you remove the turing pivot to a place away from the axis of the fixing. I'll add a video link.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZjqpQPYOos


Tony.

ps. I have one of these and find it a big help in these type of situations. There are a couple of videos decrying these as a waste of money on YouTube but one is obviously a cheap copy ($25) and both these videos posted by morons who just wanted to break them.
ALSO I have a set (brand new) of Erwin Rounded nut/bolts removal sockets for sale. If that's the type of thing you're thinking off (they are the best I've ever used) I'd be happy to post them to you. They're in the "For Sale" section.

 

[S54addict]

Is there space to get a breaker bar with an extension or for a impact wrench? I’m near Banbury and can borrow if that helps.

Very kind of you but unfortunately the space is ridiculous and can barely get my hand in. The hex bolt head has subsequently been rounded of by some idiot ( Me ) so I'm going to try some nut/ bolt remover sockets from screw fix. Fingers crossed. Have you ever used??

 

[S54addict]

Would a "Tite Reach " help where you remove the turing pivot to a place away from the axis of the fixing. I'll add a video link.

X

Tony.

Thank you

 

[Althulas]

Very kind of you but unfortunately the space is ridiculous and can barely get my hand in. The hex bolt head has subsequently been rounded of by some idiot ( Me ) so I'm going to try some nut/ bolt remover sockets from screw fix. Fingers crossed. Have you ever used??

No I never used those but sounds a good shout from Tony. I had one of my front brake hoses round off on me so had to resort to cutting the hose and hack sawing the metal pipe off then hammered on the next size impact socket on and buzzed straight off with the impact wrench a bit risky but worked. I’m sure Tony’s sockets would have been a better solution though.

 

[S54addict]

Thank you for your help guys
I think my final option now is to try to cut the head of the bolt and remove it that way. Thanks again

 

[bessieblue]

have you tried an adjustable socket , has lots of pins in that adjust to the bolt head

 

[S54addict]

have you tried an adjustable socket , has lots of pins in that adjust to the bolt head

Thxs, unfortunately the space is so tight managing to even get a straight ring spanner on it is nearly impossible.

 

[Mariano]

I need to do a starter replacement on my Z3 M S54. I'm stuck in the removal of the airbox. I got the air filter out, the Philips of the heat shield, the hose clamps, the O2 sensor, but I think there is a black nylon bolt that holds the airbox down, at the rear side bottom, that I can't reach. Can anyone with the same engine please confirm? I'm not into using force considering the price of BMW parts....

If not, was thinking attacking the starter from underneath.

Appreciate any advice, googoled and couldn't find anything for the Z3 M 2001-02

 

[Nodzed]

Thought they were E12 External Torx bolts on the S54??

 

[Mariano]

Correct, they are Torx, against the firewall, on the flange between motor and tranny. But to have space to get there, the recommended route is to remove all the air intake from the airbox to the intake manifold. I am stuck at step one, airbox.

 

[t-tony]

Can you see on REALoem. what is actually there, holding it in place? The air box, that is.

Tony.

 

[Mariano]

Thank you Tony, didn't know about realoem. Great idea.
I think it is stuck between #8 and #11. I will wiggle it to see if I can remove it.