E36 Starter Troubleshooting

If the starter tucos the engine slowly or fails to operate when the ignition is in the start position, check the battery first. Inspect the starter wires, terminals, and ground connections for good contact. In particular, make sure the ground connections between the battery, the body and the engine are completely clean and tight. If no faults can be found, the starter may be faulty and should be replaced.

NOTE
* Starting in 1194, a factory-installed drive-away protection system, also referred to as EWS or EWS 11, was used on all E36 cars . This system prevenís operation
of the starter when the system is engaged. See 515 Central Locking and Anti-theft .
* On cars with automatic transmission, a starter relay and a neutral safety switch are usedto present the engine from starting in gearpositions other than park or
neutral. ff voltage is not present at terminal 50 with the key in the start position, check these components

To make the most accurate check of the battery cables and starter wiring, make a voltage drop test on the cables and wiring.

Check for battery voltage at terminal 50 of the starter motor with the key in the start position . See Fig. 8. If voltage is not present, check the wiring between the ignition switch and the starter terminal . If voltage is present and no other visible wiring faults can be found, the problem is most likely interna¡ in the starter motor.

If the solenoid audibly cliicks but the motor does not turn, switch on the lights and tum the key to the start position . lf the lights go out while attempting to start, the battery cable may be loose or the starter may have a short circuit. If the lights stay on, the solenoid is most likely at fault.


E36 Starter, removing and installing (4-cylinder engine)

1 . Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.

CAUTION
Prior to disconnecting the battery, readthe battery disconnection cautions given at the front of this manual on page viii.

2. Remove guide tube for oil dipstick.
3. Raise vehicle.

WARNING
Make sure the car ís stable and wefl supported at all times . Use a professional automotive lift or jack stands designed for the purpose. A floorjack is not adequate support.

4. Disconnect wiring from starter.
5. Remove top and bottom starter bolts. Bottom bolt must be removed from below car. Remove starter support bracket, if applicable.
6. Pull starter downward and turn until solenoid is at top, then remove from car.
7. Check starter pinion gear and flywheel teeth for damage.
8. Installation is reverse of removal.


E36 Starter, removing and installing (6-cylinder engine with manual transmission)

The starter on a 6-cylinder car with manual transmission is removed from below.

1 . Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Remove reinforcing cross brace from under transmíssion, if applicable .
4. Remove cover from fuel filter and fuel lines on left side underneath car, if applicable . Detach fuel lines and harness connectors from retaining brackets, as necessary
5. Disconnect wiring from starter.
6. Loosen and remove bolts and nuts fastening starter to transmission bell housing and/or engine block. Remove starter support bracket.
7. Remove starter from below.
8. Check starter pinion gear and flywheel teeth for damage.
9. Installation is reverse of removal.


E36 Starter, removing and installing (6-cylinder engine with automatic transmission)

The starter on a6-cylinder car with automatic transmission
ís removed from above. It is necessary to remove the íntake
manifold and disconnect a number of electrical harness connectors.
1 . Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
2. Remove air plenum from rear of engine compartment. See 640 Heating and Air Conditioning.
3. Remove top engine covers.
4. Remove ignition coil harness connectors . Remove ground connection at front of cylinder head.
5. Remove two retaining bolts and lift off fuel injector harness connector strip. Carefully fold away all harnesses toward right side of engine compartment and place at base of windshield .
6. Remove intake manifold .
7. Disconnect wiring from starter.
8. Loosen and remove bolts and nuts fastening starter to transmission bell housing and/or engine block. Remove starter support bracket.