How to Replace Starter 97-06 BMW 325 Xi

Shop for New Auto Parts at 1AAuto.com 1aau.to/c/68/r/starters
In the video, 1A Auto shows how to remove and replace a weak, failed, or seized starter. The video is applicable to the 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, BMW 325Xi, and other E46 vehicles.
🔧 List of tools used:
• 13mm Wrench 1aau.to/oeG/1AXAA00010
• 19mm Wrench 1aau.to/oeG/1AXAA00010
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/orc/1AXAA00017
• 13mm Socket 1aau.to/oua/1AXAA00015
• 6mm Socket 1aau.to/orc/1AXAA00017
• 8mm Socket 1aau.to/orc/1AXAA00017
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/odn/1AXAA00051
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/odn/1AXAA00052
• Pliers
• Side Cutters
• E12 Socket
• T30 Socket
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oze/1AXAA00016
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oua/1AXAA00015
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/ohq/1AXAA00044
• Brake Parts Cleaner
• Cloth Rags 1aau.to/ocn/1AXSS00035
• Pick 1aau.to/ocg/1AXAA00037
• Razor Blade / Gasket Scraper 1aau.to/o3/1AXAA00280
• Wire Brush 1aau.to/oaY/1AXAA00079
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/bNx/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@thegreenmomma416]

I won't complain anymore about BMW repairs prices. After the first 6 minutes, I was convinced they deserve every cent. Much respect to mechanics.

[@Sageofthe16]

its not so bad..... but the older i get the less fun it is...

[@michaelbuffington5403]

Replaced my starter thanks to this video. Couldn’t have done it in a million years without this tutorial. Thank you.

[@brianc9036]

This is by far the hardest e46 repair I have done. Thanks for video to reference.

[@1AAuto]

+Brian C Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ignacioromero5014]

Over an hour of work and no actual starting of the vehicle? still appreciate the knowledge dump.

[@Thomas_Brown]

Completed the starter replacement using this video as a guide. Thank you for the content. It is much appreciated.

[@Unknown-yu3ms]

Very great and helpful video. I was able to complete my starter replacement easily and simply by watching the video start to finish. So thank you.

[@DavidRamirez-ck2ph]

Awesome. Good thing the starter went out on my driveway and glad that it also not in the cold winter. Thank you so much for this video

[@wassimbejjani6793]

Andy, your videos have been invaluable, and your thoroughness and calm demeanor makes you the person everyone wants to have around when disaster strikes :) I am winding down a fairly elaborate project and have relied heavily on your tutorials, especially this one. I also just checked your alternator replacement video for torque specs and you did not disappoint. Great work, many thanks, and please keep them coming.

[@spaky420]

Awesome video. Thank you for your help I just did my 325ci and it works like a charm now.

[@1AAuto]

+louie ruiz Thanks for checking us out!

[@pompamaster]

What symptoms was your car having!? Mine all of a sudden after some weak starts, no crank. Battery is good electrical turns on just no crank.

[@kgb7765]

I did mine on my 2005 325ci starter , and few notes if it helps the fuel injector rail doesn’t have to be pulled, just disconnect from main fuel line, and also a good half inch 12 point wrench works well on starter bolts 👍🏾👍🏾

[@1AAuto]

+kgb7765 Thanks for the feedback!

[@Sageofthe16]

3/8 12pt for mine

[@tomheater6149]

Now I know why BMW mechanics charge so much. Great job man!

[@forrera168]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing.

[@tonys4751]

This is a detailed oriented job and a great video. I wish I saw it six years ago when I changed my CCV. I wanted to replace the starter as well but I didn't know how to unscrew the bolts. The wrench used to unscrew bolts was all I needed. Bentley manual recommends dropping tranny from mounts and using long extension which sounds crazy cumbersome. Thank you for video.

[@danludwig3679]

Awesome video! Thank you bro

[@josephb2593]

What type of spray lubricant did you on the injectors?

[@ViewItNow]

I have a ? Are all 4 wires suppose to have power when starting the car, I’m not sure if my starter is fried or I have wiring problem

[@davidhagler6157]

No offense to 1A auto for showing this, I really appreciate it. I have replaced many starters in my life. This is my first BMW starts and after watching this video, all I have to say is: All this work for a starter?? I hate you BMW, this is ridiculous.

[@1AAuto]

+David Hagler Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jukezauxe]

there are some other cars where u have to literally drop the whole tranny to even see the starter

[@edkalsbeek1765]

I replaced starter on BMW X5. V8. And it is accessible from bottom on passenger side. I did need a 42 inch extension to get proper leverage for torx bolts. 30 plus 12 inch

[@m.kastro591]

I feel you , I wonder what's the book time to replace the starter. lol let alone warranty time smh. 1A auto sure know's how to break down the components for the frugal BMW enthusiast

[@ephraimlatson]

He's like the Bob Ross of Cars...lol!!

[@kadejones9284]

1:02:47 I have that rubber mounting grommet however there is no vacuum line behind it to connect it to, please help. Tell me I don't have to take the manifold back off again......... I was SO close to being finished I've been working on this car for over a week getting the starter and CCV hoses changed. Please tell me where that vacuum line goes exactly.

[@maxinrique2706]

Thanks very nice explaining and show very clear even some place no visible clear after open show

[@eduahpeteschwenk8453]

Do you even have to pull the dip stick tube ? Or pull the throttle body ? Or pull off the sensor that goes to the alternator??? Half that shot could have been left on

[@batstanholigan4635]

Exelent ant easy explayned video. Regard from Bulgaria. Keep it doing, tou R make it.

[@robwells5753]

One hour with the correct wrench from the top drop the starter from the bottom. First time 👊

[@charlessegraves]

I'm doing my first starter on the bmw I have only done brakes and alignment only so far so this is helping me mostly I do Honda Nissan domestic and diesel only I won't touch a tesla

[@Eubanksproductions]

Typical BMW. Basically a pain to work on anything with this car. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate.

[@1AAuto]

+Trace Eubanks Thanks for checking us out!

[@julianmcalister6865]

Do you have to take the fuel rail off to do this job? Would rather not if I’m able to get to the bolts holding the manifold to the head.

[@googleuser569]

Just bought my BMW. 04 330 Ci coup converti. Needs a new starter, so looking about an hour job, damn. I like how most cars have it on the bottom and easier to get to.

[@doreenchatwin9593]

How do you bleed the water pump at after you replace it

[@patewing5808]

Pain to do but video is amazing

[@1AAuto]

+Pat Ewing Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@bmaity2002]

And its just the starter is being replaced. its like taking the whole engine apart. :) God bless bimmers..

[@alfazero1369]

Capoooo gracias

[@hermancrespo2960]

Exellent👍👌

[@1AAuto]

+Herman Crespo Thanks for the feedback!

[@Fendi303]

I did all this just to find out it ain’t my starter lol fml

[@thepokeconomyllc9652]

What else was wrong with it? My 03 325i doesn't start at all after I parked it st a store went inside came back out and it didn't start

[@PaulLampland]

Got everything together except replugging the vacuum line across the back of the intake. Seems to go from the O2 Sensors to the intake, but where? (18.25)

[@jesussolis2653]

How many diff size vacuum lines is there

[@juliaespinal854]

What would happend if i dont put the big cables back the same way? , the starter Is runing when car is off , please help me

[@maxalex786]

What were symptoms prior to replacement?

[@danielsuschko4905]

Is that a manuell oder automatic transmission car?

[@0HORNMASTER0]

Top part of the bolt near the manifold keeps breaking off ?? I did the lefty loosy method

[@tylersinclair7683]

I tried using a 10mm on the top bolt as per this videos suggestion and it completely rounded the head. BEWARE. I used a 3/8 box end on the lower bolt as per a different KZbinrs video and was able to get it out. Just a word of advice to tread lightly with these bolts. They’re near impossible to deal with once rounded.

[@richardberger414]

Is the procedure the same for an '02 330xi?

[@1AAuto]

+Richard Berger . These steps should be similar enough to complete this task as shown in our how-to video.

[@GUSTAVORamirez-wr2qv]

Hello, I have a vmw x5 in my workshop, it does not turn on .... the dashboard lights contact well, the starter motor signal does not arrive. does not start

[@GUSTAVORamirez-wr2qv]

sorry BMW

[@m.kastro591]

This video just gave me so much frustration / anxiety just by looking at it. I haven't even worked on BMW's for this reason. Now i know why they charge 8 hours to R/R this part.

[@tenochxipilli6715]

Starter location at 27:50

[@samukelonkambule2297]

This applies to left hand drive vehicles. I took out one without removing the intake. RSA

[@isrealperez9069]

Why can't you tell people went while you're doing this is before you do this you need to get a couple things so you wouldn't have to do it twice you have the CCV to replace that's just an example so then by the time you're putting a new starter in you have replaced the other parts other than that your video is very helpful and will you be telling us the torque for the parts to go back in

[@Sageofthe16]

lol, always change ccv if your there..... lol

[@gonzobrains]

What could cause a PF1415 after replacing the starter?

[@1AAuto]

+gonzobrains We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@kgb7765]

Also word to the wise, don’t use any other starter replacement other than BMW original, as I found out the hard way by going with cheap aftermarket, less than a year into the replacement, my bargain aftermarket starter quit , and I had to do a replacement again 😫😫😫

[@Sageofthe16]

at least reputable....

[@davidalter7810]

I've been told by some to go in from top & a bmw tech told me they go thru the bottom. I've got a 04 330xi that needs new starter

[@anthonypapagna]

What does that plug go to at: 13:44

[@mfnd502]

Unacceptable to stuff a commonly replaced part into a black hole of labor. I had a Subaru before my e46, changing a starter on that involved: battery disconnect, lean over and remove leads, remove 2 bolts, pull out starter, then reverse steps. I miss my subaru.

[@Sageofthe16]

my starter died after 16 years and 200k miles. 😅

[@Cabezeo13]

What do I do if both of the starters bolts are stripped? Please help I’m stuck there

[@robwells5753]

Did you get the bolts out and how?

[@tylersinclair7683]

I’m in the same boat. Did you get it fixed? I got the bottom one out using a 3/8 box end. I tried the 10mm on the top one first as per this videos suggestion and it completely rounded the bolt head and now I can’t get it out. I know this comment is old but if you have any insight on how to get it out, it’d be much appreciated.

[@brianc9036]

it really would have been easier to take the DISA valve out to get the dipstick out.

[@MMusa-gy7qb]

Wow. What a pain. That's why I love g.m v8 and v8s in general

[@louisgorsuch3202]

What gloves do you use?

[@1AAuto]

+Louis Gorsuch Thanks for checking us out! We use a couple of different brands of gloves you can take a look at: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@agustinreyes6111]

Make sure your started is tested. You don’t want to do all this and have to do it again.

[@reco377]

I saw a video a guy removed it from the bottom with long extensions

[@1AAuto]

+Top notch mechanic We appreciate the feedback. Sometimes there are multiple ways to accomplish the same repair.

[@singlestarmediagroup]

This is reason alone enough to not want an E46.

[@adamporter3742]

Can i get away without removing idle air control valve.. Those bolts stripped i dont think theyre T30...

[@reikenautomotive753]

I was able to remove the plenum with idle air control still attached, no issue

[@7gooo]

very complicated to replace a starter .. thanks 1 A auto .. sham on you BMW

[@1AAuto]

+7Gooo Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@abproductions9160]

Moral of this video is to put the car on a lift and get it from the bottom

[@thebunkertv8847]

Is that true ? Can I actually do it that way ? I’m having this issue now .

[@jukezauxe]

@@thebunkertv8847 yes

[@bmwtips]

Do you have a video about how? Love to see it.

[@papatorr3669]

I'm half way through this job. Easy peasy! NOT! I have the starter off. Those two starter bolts took over an hour to remove! 3/8" flex wrench didn't fit so used a 1/4" with a 1/4-3/8" adapter, but mine required an E14 socket. Hmm. Another video recommended a 3/8" wrench as a better fit than a 10mm. Hmm. I'm going to remove that cover that holds the brake booster hose to see whether that gives me more room. I didn't have to remove the fuel rail, and since no fuel is leaking, I left'em alone.

[@1AAuto]

+Papa Torr Thanks for the feedback!

[@0HORNMASTER0]

I’m on week 2 on this repair lol

[@michaelbuffington5403]

I can’t loosen the screws on the starter. There’s no room for a socket or wrench. My last hope is 10 mm flex ratchet wrench. I have on order. Ugh!

[@AskingKevinn]

I read on pelican parts its better to remove the trans mount and drop the trans a bit

[@tonys4751]

Did it work?

[@michaelbuffington5403]

@@tonys4751 Yes.

[@ignacioromero5014]

did I imagine at 44:48 you can see the stater and it's connections?

[@0HORNMASTER0]

yeah I wonder if you could just leave the other things on

[@utahyork3338]

Why install an old starter? I prefer new parts.

[@Sageofthe16]

pretty sure it wasnt bad. staged vid. no worries though

[@kylesmith505]

Probably a stupid question, but what is the black solenoid looking item almost directly beneath the starter? Not talking about the wires. Talking about the item that is almost the same size of the starter

[@jukezauxe]

it’s called the starter solenoid 😂😂

[@0HORNMASTER0]

I think I can do it

[@Zednought]

Anyone no 130 foot inch to pounds

[@walidbast]

The starter I bought was 81/2", the one I removed is 7", does the size matter? any tips if it doesn't go in?

[@1AAuto]

+Walid Bast Thanks for watching! Depending on what you purchased that could just be a cosmetic difference. If you are worried what you have is incorrect or it does not fit properly, we recommend you contact whoever you purchased it from to confirm fit.

[@walidbast]

1A Auto Parts thank you for your prompt response.

[@kaosbc]

well, at least it's not inside the bell housing.

[@whateverhappens7562]

Just drop the transmission lol, that's too many wires, hoses, etc.

[@1AAuto]

+Whatever Happens Thanks for the tip!

[@martins9888]

When my starter on my 03 325xi shits to bed the damn thing is going to a salvage yard, F--k replacing that.

[@harisansari6126]

Easier from underneath

[@teodoropicos2001]

just take the motor out at this point

[@pojdiavaj1422]

It is a stupid starter engineering location.

[@user-kj5ul3it4y]

I have a 2003 325 XI. This car is the biggest piece of garbage that I have ever owned. It’s had one problem after another. First the generator fails, then the starter, then the computer and on and on. This talk about superior German engineering is a myth. I wouldn’t own a BMW again if someone gave me one. I’d sell and buy a good car.

[@gfysyoutube]

YOU HAVE TO GET RID OF THAT ANNOYING, GRINDING, INTRO SOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SchemeHoffa]

I don’t understand why is he doing all of this my mechanic just took off the top part and and replace my starter. Not sure what all the stuff is about but my starter was replace really easy.

[@1AAuto]

+SchemeHoffa Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@neilhuddleston8294]

The definition of terrible design.

[@ygfromig]

upmost respect to 1AAUTO and this tech here in the video. great videos always!🫡