Starter - Repair BMW M3 E46

DESCRIPTION

Bosch starter is a brush-type, series-wound electric motor with an overrunning clutch. Field frame carries pole shoes and field coils, and is enclosed by commutator end frame and drive bushing. Armature shaft end drives a reduction gear.

BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE

Note. If ignition is not turned off when battery is disconnected, fault memories may be set in some control units.

Disconnecting Battery

1. Turn ignition off. DO NOT disconnect battery leads and leads from alternator and starter motor while engine is running.
2. There is a danger of mixing up battery leads. If battery positive and negative leads are the same color, follow the polarity to the battery. Then mark and cover leads.
3. On vehicles with radio code, radio code must be re-entered after connecting battery. Obtain radio code card from customer. Make a note of stored stations. Stored setting of on-board computer and clock will be lost.
4. Detach terminal of battery negative lead from car battery and secondary battery, if fitted. DO NOT pull lever off pole shoes by force. DO NOT remove socket-head cap screw of IBS. Cover battery negative terminals and secure.

Connecting Battery

1. When connecting battery, ignition must be off. No one must be in the car when battery is connected. AIRBAG module may activate when power is connected. When fitting terminal for battery lead, tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair__torque-specifications) .
2. All available central keys must be coded for cars with first generation infrared transmitter locking systems.
3. If equipped, use radio code to enable radio. Reset radio station presets.
4. To set clock, time must be showing in instrument cluster display. Turn ignition on. To set ahead, turn button on right of tachometer to right. To set back, turn button to left. Adjustment speed will increase the longer the button is held. Pressing button will alternate setting from 12 hour to 24 hour mode.
5. On board computer settings will begin from zero.
6. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. Vehicle may have to be driven for a few minutes before engine runs normally.
7. On vehicles equipped with sun roof, recalibration of sun roof may be necessary. There is no anti-trapping protection during recalibration. Perform the following procedure: Press and hold sun roof switch in lift direction. In case of delayed starting or sudden stopping of sun roof, continue pressing switch in lift direction until roof reaches lift position. After reaching full lift position, hold switch in position for at least 20 seconds more. Calibration is completed when sun roof in lift position bounces slightly in lift direction. Release switch for no more than 5 seconds. Hold down switch in raising position direction until sun roof has returned to closed position after a complete opening movement. Release switch. Carry out function check (one-touch function, anti-trapping protection and, if necessary, comfort function).

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

Verify customer complaint by operating system. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. Check generator belt tension and condition. Ensure that battery voltage is within specifications. Inspect for blown fuses and damaged relays. For fuse and/or relay identification, see WIRING DIAGRAMS .

Verify ground connection integrity between engine, body, battery and generator. Check for damaged wiring harnesses and/or switches. Check for a broken or partially broken wire inside insulation, which could cause system malfunction but prove good in a continuity/voltage check with system disconnected. Ensure any aftermarket electronic equipment is properly installed. If fault is found, repair as necessary. If no fault is found, check for conditions that might cause an intermittent situation.

SOLENOID SWITCH

Note. Numbers in text apply to numbers in figures.

Removal & Installation

1. Turn ignition off. Remove starter. See «STARTER»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair).
2. Remove nut (1). (Scheme 1) Remove cable lug (2).
3. Remove screws (1). (Scheme 2)
4. Remove solenoid switch (1) and spring (2). (Scheme 3) Unhook pin (3).
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check pin (3) for wear and apply grease. Tighten nut for cable lug to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair__torque-specifications). DO NOT turn cable lug while tightening down.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Note. Numbers in text apply to numbers in figures. For clarity, some figures from other BMW vehicles are used.

Removal

1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect and cover battery negative terminal. See «BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair__battery-disconnect-procedure).
2. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear underbody protection.
3. Remove screws and remove reinforcement plate on front axle support.
4. Remove nut and disconnect leads from starter motor. (Scheme 4) Work is shown in figure from above and without intake air manifold. DO NOT remove intake air manifold. Perform procedure from below.
5. Remove both starter motor-to-transmission mounting bolts (1). (Scheme 5) Remove starter mounting bolts with a long extension and a universal joint. Withdraw starter motor from transmission flange and remove towards bottom.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Installation

1. Inspect starter motor pinion and ring gear for damage. If pinion or ring gear are damaged, replace as necessary.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair__torque-specifications) .
3. Replace and tighten screws of reinforcement plate to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair__torque-specifications) . Then tighten down an additional 90 degrees with Torque Angle Measuring Dial (00 9 120). See «SPECIAL TOOLS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/starter/#starter-repair) .

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Torque Specifications

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

See also:
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• WIRING DIAGRAMS
• BATTERY DISCONNECT PROCEDURE