DIY E90 BMW 328i Starter Replacement (FASTEST WAY)

[@johnmeadows8011]

Thanks!

[@Zeiten]

Appreciate your support🙌

[@mikedodd9294]

Best BMW e90 stater replacement video on KZbin, worst lighting setup on KZbin. Thanks for the video!!

[@Zeiten]

Thanks😁 can’t pick and choose where the car breaks down🤷‍♂️

[@agile_rayc9969]

Thanks! Very good instructive video for our interested DIYers here, keep up the good work there!

[@l8nit3tr0ubl3]

Thank you for the detail in this video, and for not constantly cutting out the important portions! I was terrified to DIY this before watching the video, and now feel I can manage it with enough care and time! e90 328XI 2011, 162000km, suddenly wouldnt start one morning. Battery full charge, Ground strap replaced, all voltages check fine, all lights and stereo work fine. So this is my next move. Thank you again!

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help🙌

[@michaelo7330]

Just finished this job and your guide was a huge help. Much appreciated!

[@Zeiten]

Thank you, appreciate your support 🙌👍

[@alexnguyenSD]

The absolute best BMW mechanic. Thanks Tim!

[@IAmPraki]

I just spent a few leisurely hours taking out everything. That tip about removing the breather hose is invaluable! Thanks for that. While I have all this open, I will replace the engine mounts. Hope that goes as well as this did. Thanks for your videos.

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help🙌

[@artessj]

Finally a more in depth video on how to replace the starter. Great Job!!

[@Zeiten]

Thank you🙌

[@Dom-e92]

Thank you, Tim! I just saved over a 1000 dollars doing this myself. It was pretty easy, much easier than valve cover gasket. I used the Bosch starter kit from FCP Euro

[@Zeiten]

You are welcome, happy to help🙌

[@Karxas]

For anyone who is willing to take on this task - it's not that hard. No special tools are required to get to the starter. BUT, my tip to you (from my personal experience) go and buy this this ratchet from Harbor Freight (3/8 In. Drive T-Bar With Flexible Ratchet ), it worked like a charm after unsuccessful tries with flex-head ratchet. This tool was recommended by another mechanic in one of the e90 starter replacement videos. Save yourself some time with a good preparation. Bolts on my 2009 335i Xdrive were E12, not E14 but it seems to vary by model/year, be ready with both sockets. Good luck!

[@simplelangperorock]

Wow! That is a very convenient spot to place the starter. Gotta do all that just to find a common car problem to replace like a starter.

[@Zeiten]

😂

[@gcutler15]

Ironically still easier than replacing a starter on most other vehicles including the ones that people think are easy to work on like chevy, honda, etc. Don't even need a lift or to jack the vehicle up.

[@fastboatster]

Yeah, trying doing a starter on many newer Audis, especially with more than 4 engines, you’ll start to think that its super easy on BMWs

[@scottrobson4097]

@@fastboatsterAre you talking about hybrids or what? More than 4 engines? I know of some freakshow custom dual engine beasts but I think you mean more than 4 cylinders. I think most modern vehicles have so much stuffed into cramped engine bays that if it's not something like a starter, it's something else that requires you to remove 10 other things before you get the actual part that needs to be replaced.

[@fastboatster]

@@scottrobson4097 you are right, was talking about cylinders

[@themysticmariner1959]

Fantastic video! This made the job so much easier knowing what to expect. After all this work I'm installing an OEM Bosch starter; don't want to have to do this again!

[@Zeiten]

Thank you, happy to help🙌

[@Himoutdoors]

I like your technique to remove the breather hose clips, using a pick tool. Must try that one! A very comprehensive and clear guide which I will refer to this weekend. Very helpful! Thank you!

[@BrettBaumann]

Thank you! Excellent video! You walked me through a tedious job with clarity and a great attitude. The tip to use the 11mm on the rear facing starter bolt was so clutch too.

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help🙌

[@asset-314]

Thanks!

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help!

[@eddieenoka4988]

Changed my starter on e82 coupe 125i...cheers, broke the small bolt but got it out with drill and screw driver....lucky bmw dealer had bolt set....great vlog

[@courtneybowen3556]

Thank you so much! Very informative and was able to get the starter changed with no issues. Your video was a perfect guide.

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help🙌

[@ericlane419]

Thanks for the video!! Can't say enough about how much it helped!

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help👍

[@williambowen8211]

Best video on the web. Thank you!

[@Zeiten]

Thank you for watching🙌

[@brauliocarrillo3348]

Wow your awesome I'm starting on my starter this weekend and believe me this is the video I'll be watching a few times

[@Zeiten]

Sounds good, good luck with the job👍

[@miguelmartinez1]

Thanks so much for this video! It really helped me a lot to replace the starter on my E90!

[@danieltegas2217]

You the best bmw mechanic Dan from New Zealand amazing skills man I did fix my old 318ti m44 rear heater core flange found it to be straight forward apart from the space I also have an 325i 2008 e90 which I’m at this stage only doing oil changes on but after watching you mate I feel more confident lol kind regards.

[@Zeiten]

Thank you, happy to help👍

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Super helpful ! Extraordinary detail !! I learned lots !!! Thanks mate !!!!

[@Peasant1444]

Great video, very easy to follow and see what you are doing. Spasibo!

[@Zeiten]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@mettaman9169]

Great walkthrough! Thank you for this!

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help

[@DRE1971KNOX]

Very informative video. Keep up the good work sharing your skills. I'm about to tackle this as my car is sitting at my work place dead in it's tracks.

[@Zeiten]

Thank you, appreciate your feedback

[@lamprosaleuromageiros9828]

THE BEST VIDEO.!!!

[@smookyflava9509]

Thanks a lot bro ! You save my life ! Got the same problem and now I know how to replace it 🙏🏻

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help👍

[@losjosj2527]

Great video. However, I would not recommend to use that 14mm wrench to get that E14 screw loose....if the screw is pretty tight in there you might strip the head of that screw(like I did).

[@shawnhorvath2014]

Thanks!! Perfect video for my issue. 👍👍

[@joedee5884]

Thank you very much! This was very helpful. I was able to change my starter without having it towed.

[@Zeiten]

Nice, glad this video helped

[@javiermeza5086]

Did you need to clear any codes ???

[@jayj3809]

I followed this video step-by-step few days ago to replace my dead starter. I watched it a couple of times before getting to work, all went very smooth, Thank you for this and all your other excellent videos.. from Toronto Canada ! Any chance you will do e90/e60 transmission fluid change video in the future?

[@Zeiten]

Thank you, absolutely, transmission fluid change with mechatronic seal replacement video coming very soon, i’d say in a week or so it might be on e70 x5 but it is the same on e9x and e60

[@RDeArmas7]

What size bolts holding wire harness under manifold? 10:04

[@Zeiten]

Torx 30

[@mannymoo]

Mine were Torx 25 for 2010 535i xdrive

[@mannymoo]

Do you recommend a certain European mechanic toolkit for this?

[@James-tt5fh]

Just got done replacing my starter but I’m having a hard time with the sensor at 6:15 can anyone help please

[@AndrewHernandez-ke2ik]

Great video! I'm working on replacing the ccv system of my 06 325i. Any suggestion or video on how to remove the lower breather hose from the dipstick tube?

[@Zeiten]

Don’t have a video yet, pull the tabs on sides of the hose and lift straight up, no side to side movements otherwise can brake a piece that attaches to oil pan it’s made of plastic

[@AndrewHernandez-ke2ik]

@@Zeiten thank you! I got it out without breaking anything. Problem now is the installation. Got the intake manifold back to its place and trying to plug the new lower breather hose.

[@reneburema7634]

Andrew Hernandez i was in the same spot 2 weeks ago.. i took out the intake and replaced the whole ccv with all the pipes and could not attach the breather hose .. in the end i bought a better brand hose by febi billstein and use dw40 silicon to lube and in the end i managed to get it seated correctly...

[@javiermeza5086]

@@AndrewHernandez-ke2ik why did u have to buy new breather hose?

[@Himoutdoors]

How many hours to do this job?

[@mannymoo]

11mm open wrench doesn’t fit for mine. Do you have any tips? Is it E12 or something?

[@jorgetovar8206]

What if the starter replacements tip where it inserts to trans/flywheel is covered and doesn’t have that hole ??

[@drethomas1446]

First of all great video. Thank you! did the break feel stiff and didn't want to depress? I have all the same issues i just didn't know if you had that problem as well. When i try to start my 2009 BMW 328I I'm getting power through the car. All of the lights work etc.. but when I press the break to start it, it feels stiff. I try starting it and nothing happens. no sounds. not a click or anything. After watching this video I'm thinking its the starter. Did you have that issue with the break feeling stiff and not wanting to depress when trying to start the car?

[@Zeiten]

Brake pedal has absolutely nothing to do with it, replace the starter and everything will be fine. Try without starting the car to press brake pedal a few times and it always will be hard

[@scooter9542]

yea im having the same issue, did you figure out if it was the starter or not?

[@drethomas1446]

@@scooter9542 i changed the starter out and got the exact one he talks about in this video from autozone. it worked great for like 2 days but now im having issues again. it takes awhile to crank over and some times it wont even start, i have to give it like 5 mins and try again. i think i may have blown the new starter or something because i didnt unplug my battery when swopping out the old starter with the new. Thought i did but i didnt because it sparked when i was putting the cord back on the starter. Now every time i get the car started all the electrical stuff in the car resets such as the clock and the amount of miles i have driven that day, i have the tire pressure signal on all four tires but to answer your question, when i replaced the starter it started right up no issues and this video will literally show you step by step on how to replace it. just make sure you unplug the battery

[@drethomas1446]

@@Zeiten is it possible to blow the new starter or cause more issues with the car if you dont unplug the battery when changing the starter? i changed mine and thought i had unplugged the battery but didnt and when i put the new starter in and tried hooking it back up that main cord that goes onto the starter sparked when it touched the the side of the new starter. it worked well for about 2 days. Now im having issues getting it started again and when i do get it started some of the electrical stuff in the car resets. My clock goes blank and the miles i drove that day or the day before now say Zero. its not the actual odometer that says zero.

[@Zeiten]

Check your battery, old starters could destroy your battery easily, your symptoms are not about the starter, look into battery and alternator

[@davidkovalic6012]

Very nice guide, worked out great with your help! Used all E-sockets and wrenches not 12-points, where applicable. Wish I had a ratcheting E-wrench for the bolt at the back of the starter, but that would be a one-time tool for sure, E box wrench worked fine :)

[@Zeiten]

Glad to hear it, good job👍

[@logankedrowski9903]

I wasn’t able to to get the back bolts to fit in the wrench I used the etorx socket and a flex head ratchet

[@karimamin2]

14:42 bolt with the green marking. What is that cable used for?

[@Zeiten]

Knock sensor, if I understood you correctly

[@karimamin2]

@@Zeiten Thanks

[@HACKx213]

Looking sharp bro u helped me fix my x5 in koreatown , I recently purchased a 328i e92 can broken ccv cause rough idle cold start ? New plugs new valve cover installed ..

[@Zeiten]

Possible, also vanos solenoids can cause those issues, as usual need to see

[@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525]

Lol mine died in DTLA... 100 degrees no AC 🤣

[@maxsmith4400]

Thanks for reminding me why id never buy a bmw.What a nightmare of a car to work on.

[@scottrobson4097]

This job is hardly a nightmare. I'm doing it right now. One difference is I didn't remove the intake manifold. I just took the bolts off and removed the studs and moved it off to the side just enough to reach the starter torx bolts.

[@scottrobson4097]

@William Lloyd-Roberts I agree with your points. I replaced the starter ~ a month ago and I left the manifold in place. The trick with using an 11mm box wrench or ratchet on the rear bolt is golden as there's no space back there to use an E13 socket. I bought a new Bosch unit(not worth cheaping out here), new bolts, but I could not make enough room to replace all 6 intake gaskets so I settled with replacing the first 5. The old ones still looks in great shape so I settled for it. I get his strategy though as many people unfortunately want to pay the least amount to get their vehicle back up and running so he fills a market that is not surprisingly in high demand. I mean, it's sure convenient and impressive that he comes to the inoperable vehicle with all of his tools and does it on the spot. In a pinch I would probably do the same. Not everyone can "afford" to do things properly until they realize that doing it properly is actually more cost effective in the long run.

[@gail6904]

can you put the wrong bolts in the wrong way? II thought the top bolt was short one??? or do they only fit one way.

[@cookingwithkratos]

Im going to buy a bmw 2mrw guy says its just the starter so before i buy it for 2 grand can i just bump the starter to at least crank the car to make sure its only a starter problem vs a motor or transmission?

[@Zeiten]

It’s a gamble, I doubt you can reach starter without removing intake manifold and usually no seller will allow you to do so

[@dolo_kaayy]

my car is doing this but it’s -20c in canada rn… idk if it’s jus cold or if it’s any if this

[@Zeiten]

If lights are not flickering when you try to start then it is starter, if everything blinks and flickers then you have power issues

[@dolo_kaayy]

@@Zeiten it was my starter, lights, heat/ac everything was still working, it jus wasn’t starting

[@cavaleir1]

@@Artem Iavkin one more question there is four (4) wires connected to a outlet the breather hoses connects to it are they to be connected in any one order or just connect them in as long as they are connected. It is located at the back bottom of the intake you plug the top breather hose and the bottom and 2 more wires into it. Thanks again.

[@Zeiten]

From top to bottom, 1st - wire from valve, 2nd - wire from hose that goes ti valve cover, 3rd - wire from hose that goes to oil pan, 4th the last remaining wire

[@fitbyquikfitbyquik1434]

Great video thank you 💪🏾

[@priveprive5315]

No torque for the starter bolts ?

[@serramesabill2160]

I have a 2007 328i with cas. I get no codes but the same system. i can't even get to the freaking starter to excite the solenoid to test the starter. What color is the solenoid wire?

[@eddiewilson2831]

Excellent video. I have done a bunch of starters on N52s and if you don’t take the care and removal that you showed you can crack your CCV hoses or rip out the crank sensor plug. Your method gives great access for easy removal. Good point about the manifold seals as the motor is quite forgiving by design. One note about cleaning the throttle body comment, I thought valvetronic engines didn’t use the throttle body to manage air intake and they run in full open mode closing only for failsafe.

[@FD-rh6tr]

Hello Zeiten, Im wondering if this N52 Motor is reliable? Im a college student and want a E90 328i as a toy car (I have a Honda Civic as my daily). Since you have experience, could you could tell me if its reliable or not? I look forward to your reply. Thanks

[@Zeiten]

Hi, overall yes I would say it’s pretty reliable, although maintenance is a big part this car, but plenty you can do yourself and find how to on this channel

[@FD-rh6tr]

Thanks for your reply! I’m actually a DIY Mechanic at home so I can definitely maintain this car.

[@gail6904]

awesome video..thank u i need a question answered..changed plugs, starter, air filter got a few MAF codes..but RPM is going crazy when i start car reving up and down all over the place..what causes this? I am wondering if my throttle boot is on far enough..there is a mark on the boot near throttle..its at 12 oclock is the boot suppose to go over this nub of steel its a bit raise..hard to explain but the rubber boot also has a litle nub sticking out at 12 oclock..do these go over each other so the boot fits on all the way? thanks what is causing this reving of engine and misfire

[@cavaleir1]

@gail did you find out what was wrong with that mine is doing the same after i changed the starter until car gets warm then it runs fine, thank for any response.

[@liamtrillz]

Yes them little nubs on the TB are supposed to go into each other.

[@cavaleir1]

@Artem Iavkin Thanks for ALL of your help, everything is back together car start perfectly but I have a rough idle until car warms up it idles up and down unless i keep rpm over 1000 until car is warm then it runs like new drive and idle fine did I miss something for this to idel this bad at start every time I start the car? Thanks so much for you help!

[@Zeiten]

Well can be any number of reasons, get the car scanned, possible causes are one of breather hoses cracked or not fully in(you got 325i as far as I remember) then check if you plugged in fully breather hose for purge valve behind throttle body, very common for people to forget about it, then disa valves might be at fault, vanos solenoids, intake boots not fully in and list goes on and on, get it diagnosed properly

[@cavaleir1]

@@Zeiten Thank you.

[@iiplaya]

Hey quick question. Do i need to replace to crankcase breather hose??? I don’t have enough time to order because it won’t come fast enough I heard it breaks when moving the manifold just wanna know

[@Zeiten]

Well if you disconnect it properly nothing will break, absolutely not necessary to replace it if everything is done right

[@kxanh8867]

I stripped that bold any ideas how I can remove it? Thank you

[@Zeiten]

Use e12 socket and try to hammer it over stripped bolt there is next to no room there but it’s possible you can slowly push it it if not hammering. Other option is also using e12 with extensions and try to hammer it in from the bottom

[@TheBull06]

Why didn't you explain about the bottom pcv valve that's attached to the ccv ? Mine does not come out without removing that pipe!

[@Zeiten]

If you are talking about purge valve and the line that attaches to intake manifold behind throttle body then it’s shown in the video

[@The1Bullgod]

So no sound from fuel pump either when you push start? Could it still be the starter if no code comes up?

[@Zeiten]

Yep, most likely

[@mulieslayer]

The starter bolts are aluminum and designed to stretch, REPLACE them. They are cheap $ and there's a good chance they will strip or break a 2nd time.

[@Zeiten]

Nope, not true replaced thousands of those starters

[@seanpaul3050]

Yes if not replaced they can snap the next time they are undone. I have seen it happen. Not expensive, just replace them.

[@theb3ast133]

The hose in the back...I broke it off and taped it back on...what is that hose for and how important is it?

[@Zeiten]

Important, tape will hold only for so long, it’s crankcase vent hose

[@cavaleir1]

@Artem Iavkin I have a quick question, when I pulled the starter out the gear that the starter was connected to was Rusty should I grease/lube that or no, if so what type of lube would be good for this thank you for any help you can give me.

[@Zeiten]

No, it’s flywheel you don’t need to do anything

[@cavaleir1]

@@Zeiten Thank you, and thanks for the great videos!

[@leviriordan7183]

Thx brotha 🙏 💯 💪

[@Zeiten]

🙌🙌🙌

[@boujiiyt5363]

I have and e93 with 80k miles. Went out of state for 3 months and when I came back the AC wasn’t working anymore. The compressor works though. What could be the problem???

[@Zeiten]

Low on freon, final stage resistor, condenser you name it anything can be wrong get it inspected

[@simplelangperorock]

Great video and Thanks 🙏

[@PushinP-LuhVon]

My car do the same exact thing but it make a click noise....is it still the starter ??

[@Zeiten]

Most likely

[@derrickbrown1311]

My car doing the same thing but no starter replacement code

[@Zeiten]

Codes are not always present

[@derrickbrown1311]

@@Zeiten thanks

[@MrDododo22]

Could you have chosen a darker spot to film?

[@fitbyquikfitbyquik1434]

Will any scanner work? Or do I need a special one

[@Zeiten]

you'll need one that can access CAS module

[@keichantaj]

Do you have a video like this for the N62 E65?

[@Zeiten]

Not yet, but it’s way more complicated than this one, requires dropping subframe and removal of exhaust manifold

[@kevinvandevelde5169]

my 06 3.0 x5 planning on doing starter and ccv this summer, not looking forward to it. Good Vid. 👍👍

[@Zeiten]

Starter on your engine last forever, I wouldn’t replace it until it dies, on my e53 it is 227k miles now and original starter that has never been replaced

[@kevinvandevelde5169]

@@Zeiten Thanks for the info. Wish the ccv was the same

[@Zeiten]

Well it lasts longer on x5 than on 3 series for example, but still needs to be replaced eventually

[@DonThe]

My 09 E90 had been taking longer to start in the cold and now it cranks maybe once and the dash lights flicker and won't start. Getting P052B error code. Do I need a new starter?

[@Zeiten]

Most likely battery

[@DonThe]

Thank you will check out the battery, thanks as always

[@DonThe]

No new battery yet but jumping isn't working, it should have worked if it was the battery right?

[@DonThe]

Ha.. Nvm after about 10 tries it finally started

[@fitbyquikfitbyquik1434]

Hey do I need that scanner to see if I have a code?

[@Zeiten]

Yep

[@mannymoo]

8mm 14mm 12point 11mm 10mm for power steering 6mm for intake boot Torques 30 Torques 25 11mm 11mm 12point wrench 13mm

[@yungbuscemi83]

What scan tool is that?

[@Zeiten]

icarsoft

[@georan4323]

ADD LIGHT TO YOUR VIDEO. GOOD VIDEO BUT NEEDS LIGHTING

[@lSTEEF]

How long did it take in the parking lot :)

[@Zeiten]

For me it’s 40 mins

[@lSTEEF]

@@Zeiten good to know. I have to do mine tomorrow in the parking lot :( Thanks for the info

[@Zeiten]

Happy to help

[@aaryadeb893]

My starter is not coming out after removing the bolts. Think it is the corrosion. I have tried spraying WD 40, and prying with a flathead. Could the teeth be stuck to the flywheel? If not what else should I do, if someone can pls suggest

[@Zeiten]

Well, that’s very unusual i’d bet you took the wrong bolt out not from the starter but transmission housing bolt

[@aaryadeb893]

@@Zeiten hey thanks for getting back to me. No I double checked I got both the correct bolts out

[@Zeiten]

Then nothing else holds it

[@aaryadeb893]

Hmm, yeah its really weird. I'll try again tomorrow with pb blaster and a pry bar. Thanks

[@aaryadeb893]

The pry bar did the trick

[@nicholasscherr3799]

Do I need a tourque screw driver for this

[@Zeiten]

No

[@cookingwithkratos]

Hey man please tell me ur in georgia?

[@Zeiten]

California🤷‍♂️ unfortunately or not😂

[@stukatz5479]

Why does this 328 have DISA valves?

[@Zeiten]

Because it’s SULEV car (super low emissions vehicle)

[@dannyvien6329]

Are you in California

[@Zeiten]

Yep, servicing Los Angeles and some OC area

[@dannyvien6329]

Are you mobile too

[@Zeiten]

Yes

[@dannyvien6329]

@@Zeiten how far off cause I'm in IE

[@Zeiten]

No that’s way too far

[@albertlee9220]

Thanks

[@michaell.445]

If that's the first remove attempt for that strut tower bar... That was WAY too loose 😅

[@aungthu9341]

How much for this one

[@Zeiten]

500$ parts and labor as of today

[@mannymoo]

Found it!

[@klausphx]

Don't use Auto Zone or O'Reilly Starters they have high Comeback rate. Bosch is Best Very Low Comeback rate. Think about it you have to remove Intake manifold big job not like replacing Starter on Chevy it Ford takes less Hour. I rarely have used Auto Zone-O'Reilly Starters or Alternators but the times I did Failed Quickly. I'm a Master Mechanic Tech 45yrs exp. Reason why I watched this Video said BMW Quick Starter replacement so I thought I'll watch it maybe young guy knows something I don't. I pull Intake in the past too. Make sure your Battery is Charged right 12.4-12.7 Volts. Engine off

[@gail6904]

HELLO and thanks for ur videos on a 2008 328i had a no crank no start and after we jumped the battery in trunk and also jumped what we thought was a starter relay under passenger glovebox (relay was the only black 4 prong ..it wasnt starter relay was a CAS relay and now all the HEADLITES, DOME LIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS,, WIPERS STAY ON with car OFF..can u please help and email me at [e-mail] Also car wont shift now..is automatic..how do i shut this stuff off? thanks

[@michaell.445]

So even the camera guy works in the dark too? You know you're good to do this stuff without even a flashlight... But I can hardly see what you're doing

[@macardabirturk9380]

👍❤

[@hurrican11Bpoint]

Doesn’t BOSH makes the starter for Durlast😅 …….

[@Zeiten]

The other way i would think, bosch makes starters and duralast ultra super mega premium puts there branding on it, but definitely not all duralast starters are bosch

[@chrisj3097]

A flashlight would've been great

[@Zeiten]

I’m more comfortable with a cell phone light🤷‍♂️

[@602.BANDZZZ]

The phone being in the way is pissin me off😭

[@rajm.5819]

No light. This video you cannot see what he is doing.

[@bizykyng]

This is a lot of freaking words man 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@icu1585]

I hate bmw

[@ChadFreeman757]

I’m waiting on my E Torx wrenches to be delivered in any minute now 🥹

[@kxanh8867]

I stripped that bold any ideas how I can remove it? Thank you

[@GLeszega]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@Zeiten]

Appreciate your feedback 🙌