BMW E46 M3 Starter + Intake Removal DIY!
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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In this video I show how to remove the intake manifold/plenum from an E46 M3 with a SMG transmission (the process is the same for 6 Speed Manual Transmission cars). The DIY also shows how to replace the starter.
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You've done a serious favor for us E46 M3 owners. Thank you for taking the time and effort to give us such a detailed and comprehensive video of a job none of us want to do without a video like this. Excellent job!! I'm grateful for you and your channel.
Thanks Greg!
That's how a DIY video should be done! None of that "reassembly is in reverse order" stuff, you SHOW the reassembly. Excellent. Keep up the great work.
I just want to say that the T-bar with flex joint and swivel head tool you recommended from Harbor Freight was THE tool to do the job in getting the extreme angle needed to make the next to nothing clearance between the bolt heads and the firewall! Thank you for such an awesome video!
He has to be the best Bmw Macanic I’ve ever seen and you can see that he loves working on them that’s what makes a difference!
Thanks Michael!
As an M3 owner, I remember doing all that disassembly just to change the struts lol. This video was fire.
3 things that will save a lot of anxiety and frustration doing this project. I spent hours researching other posts, tools, etc and once I found tools and did this it went smoothly.
1) The ratchet tool (used in video) from Harbor Freight tools is a Pittsburgh 3/8" drive Flexible Ratcheting T-Bar, part #98484 I could not find anything else small or flexible enough to do the job, the T-Bar isn't fixed and comes out if you like.
2) Get this invaluable tool (Amazon) TEKTON 7611 24-Inch Flexible Magnetic Pick-Up Tool. A lifesaver when you drop a nut, wrench, part down under engine onto skid plate, this will fish it out from above
3) Tip: remove lower (shorter) Heater hose (firewall to engine block), this will greatly open up area to see E12 Torx bolts and give extra room to work in, I fought the blasted hoses for hours trying to do it without removing. I also had a small bungie cord i used to pull upper heater house and wiring back toward front of engine.
4) Tip: I found it best to run a piece of tape around the E12 socket, with sharpie, marked the points where E Torx star and the square socket points are. Tape is also easier to grasp, not as slippery. I aligned the socket on Torx Bolt first then it was easier to align 3/8" square ratchet to socket and press into socket instead of fighting space and alignment onto bolt. Helps!
5) Once Torx was about half way out, I used a 10mm flexible socket box wrench to back bolt out rest of way and reverse to tighten back up, worked great.
6) Finally, upon reassembling everything, getting the plenum back on, reconnecting the pesky bottom vent hose underneath... I found that turning the angled connector to better align with plenum to help align connector with hole since you need to do it by feel, helps.
7) I reused the plenum intake clamps and bought this clamp plier to reattach, also should have had this to detach them.
Hope this is useful and helps the next person that tries this, it is gratifying and the end and saved me ~$1000 for a little time and effort.
Lisle 30500 CV Boot Clamp Plier adding the last plier used (#7)
Very helpful, thank you!
@@BuzzJensenearless ones?
Thank you for posting this video, I had a bad starter on my e46 m3. Because of this video I was able to replace the starter without paying a shop to do it
I’m not a mechanic of any sort but your video was very helpful and showed me step by step what to do
You should make a video on how to remove and service the SMG pump.
Fantastic confidence-inspiring DIY video! As a mechanical novice, I initially felt that this was beyond what I could do. Then I realized that you explain everything so well that others could do it, so thought that I could too.
I’m proud & amazed to share that I was able to remove the intake manifold to test that the starter was bad & replace it. Thanks for showing all the steps, explaining how to remove, disconnect, connect & re-install everything, which tools to use & even where to buy them. Couldn’t have done it without you. Wouldn’t have even tried!
Great video as usual!
I wanted to add my experience here in a comment.
11:58 Fortunately when this breather hose ends up breaking...on a Sunday no doubt, the hose tends to break on the corrugated ribs. Usually the proprietary connectors are still intact and you can temporarily replace the corrugated section with similar diameter rubber hose, some small hose clamps to couple the connectors (wait until you have it installed before tightening the clamps so you can get the length exact-this, so both connectors seat flush on the Crankcase and the intake.
13:48 On my 02/02 Manual...It's much easier to follow the hose down to the oil pan, and pull the connector up from that end of the vent hose, its the same push/deform ring connector as the other vent hoses (the first time I tried disconnecting by pulling down, and it seemed like I was forcing things)
So, the intake manifold comes out with the back vent hose still connected. (remember when reinstalling to guide that hose down to the pan...between the intake mounting bracket and the firewall seems to give you the most length)
I replaced my starter in feb and I really wish I had that swivel socket you used, as I had to use a small ratcheting e-torx box wrench, and found disconnecting that coolant pipe helped...
BTW If someone here is stuck using only the ratcheting box wrench to remove the starter bolts...You are at risk of getting your wrench stuck So ONLY Use the wrench to loosen the starter bolts, unthread the remaining by hand.
Thanks for the great content!
I ended up shaving down a wrench to get it to fit near the starter bolts. Damn that was tough.
One of the best DIY videos I've ever seen. I need a new starter on my E46 M3 and watched this to see if I want to attempt. I'm sure with this video I can do it. A+++
I second the emotion of Greg Wayne, one of your video viewers, who very kindly thank you for doing a great favor to E46 M3 owners! Great work! Thanks
Thanks for watching Roberto!
...watched most of your videos's - especially the M3 repairs -
Thanks man...couldn't do any of these repairs (nor would I ever try them!!!) without you. You inspire confidence & competence.
Continued luck with your personnel & professional endeavors. Respectfully, you are an example of how perseverance, determination, and kindness overcomes all!!!
I finally replaced my starter today, while watching this video. I always thought my battery was the culprit of those embarrassing failed starts. My M3 finally started up with problem and it was a very satisfying feeling.
Excellent video, used a part of this to get the intake plenum/manifold off for a head gasket replacement; that other 10mm nut toward the back of the intake plenum is a real b*$@! for SMG, omg. Spent probably near 30 minutes just trying to get enough clearance with my wrench! Thanks again, there's not another video like this one for the E46 M3 out there!
This stopped me today. Couldn't find my 10 spanner.
Great video! Had to do this once too. Here is some extra feedback: You dont need to empty the SMG fluidreservoir, since it has a non return valve on it. Saves you some expensive fluid ;).
Really, wow!
This video is awesome - just changed my starter following right along - Thank you!
THANK YOU for this video man!! Because of your tutorial, I was able to save nearly $2,000 as my local BMW dealer wanted for the job ($800 for the starter alone, when I got a lifetime warranty Bosch unit from FCP Euro for $160).
I took my time over a few days and everything was exactly like you said in the vid. I bought the same tools and they all did the job. Thanks again for the fantastic video and for helping me save nearly 2 grand! 🙏🙏
little tip for the bottom vacuum hose. shine a torch inside the airbox as you fit it. you will see the hole it goes in and know when you're ready to ram it home.
Excellent video. Removal, cleaning, and reassembly are all great. But don't use silicon spray (23:00) or any other silicon anywhere near your intake because it can damage or destroy your catalytic converter.
who said im running cats😈😂
Thanks so much you help e46 m3 fanatics save lots of money.😊
Thanks for all of the help over many years, couldn’t have done many things without your help.
Thanks for this guide! I wouldn't have been able to DIY this job without it!
Just followed this video and completed this job all along while your voice played in the background. Excellent video and thank you for posting!
This was awesome.. Thank you so much... Is the airbox cleanable on the inside? If so, what with?
From a BMW master tech great video after 20 years it was a great refreshers and you hit all the little tie bits in a great way! Good job bud
Fantastic in depth video, I am a novice really on car diy stuff but my e46 m3 starter has given up today, been temperamental for months but push starts only now lol.
You are the man of the year!
What size are clamps that you used on video for intake
You’re awesome!
I’ve never done such a job, but following it, it was all smooth!
Thank you for your time!
Fantastic. Just finished on an 04 manual. Took a bit longer than the video. :)
very nice. note: clamps on after the bottom hose
Nice work, I too was wondering WTF is going on with the electric fan attached to the air intake? Seems like highly questionable tech..Unless it's actually magic that gives the car an extra 43 HP...
Lol its supposed to cool the smg pump, not recommended
You are doing excellent job man, keep it up and thank you for the knowledge of my car and much more. Respect
What is the link to buy that flex head socket wrench?
Good video, so much detail that the rest miss. Two thumbs up from me!
One thing I will mention, my autox car has 180,000 miles on it so I bought the heater hoses too. Pull them off first, and once they are off there's plenty of room to get to the starter bolts. Less that $150 for all 3 hoses at FCP Euro (the most expensive source, but you can't beat their lifetime warranty!) and you just have to ask yourself, when is the next time you're going to pull off the airbox? 😁
1:02 Is your Bosch starter a brand new starter or a reconditioned starter? In the UK I can only seem to find reconditioned starters for sale in all the shops....
Hi mr shoplife I just did the starter on my 06 M3, I followed the steps like you show on your video but when I went to start the car it wouldn’t start I don’t know what I did wrong or if I need to reset the computer, any idea what could be wrong? Thank you
Can you please tell me where you ordered the alternative OEM clamps from?
Steven L did you ever get a answer about clamps
do you have a part # or tell us where to get the clamps you used on the intake
Thanks a lot for the video!! I always thought that it was impossible to do it from the front of the engine and you´d have to go the hard way from underneath the car using long extensions and finding your way trough the gearbox, this video is just awesome! Please, do more for the M3 E46! If you do a Vanos restoration (beisan kit) i´d kiss you even being a man hahahah!
I wish there's someone like him in south OC
Awesome job. I have an 1982 e21 that needs a starter. After watching your video mine is not as complicated. Wish you would mention the price of parts and labor to get an idea of cost. Keep the videos coming great job.
Another great video Ankur! There isn't many good DIY videos for E46 M3. I was hoping you could look at doing a vid on pdc parking sensors. I have a 2005 E46 M3 which has a parking sensor problem which seems common however no one on CZcams has found a proper solution for it! Hope anyone can help. I've done the ticking check for each sensor and all seems fine I'm just stuck!
1:40 How come you put an AGM battery in your car?
Aman A why not. Charging voltage is 14.4, which is good for agm. The newer e46‘s have them standard, correct me if i‘m wrong
Would you need to bleed the SMG system after taking and putting in new fluid? I ask cause I did this job and now my SMG gear engaging to R or 1 is rough and when warm its smooth but the engaging seems like its crunching. Plugged it in and it said actuator 😨 I am unsure if its related to this or a coincidence and my smg pump died but it primes etc
Hey Jason, just subbed. I finally bought an e46 a few days ago ('03 325xi with 60k on it), and your channel is going to be a big help. I have a lot of the minor common problems. One that I haven't seen addressed here (unless I missed it) is the crayon smell from the sound deadening material. Sounds like it's a fairly common issue. Some people like it, and I kind of do, but it's a bit too strong. Maybe worth a vid on how to remove and replace that material? I think it's mainly under the back seat, the rear deck, and the shock towers in the trunk. Just a thought. Thanks for what you do!
Great timing for this video. I tried taking mine out yesterday but those two bolts are impossible. Gonna have to find that ratchet.
Did you ever find it? Harbor Freight doesn't carry that ratchet any longer. Going to have to jerryrig something together I suppose
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
Thanks man, i did it today. many thanks from South Korea.
Outstanding E46 M3 video! Thank you 👍
Anyone know the replacement hose clamp part numbers?
What if the starter is just stuck(key just won't turn)?
Just did mine…thanks bro! Excellent vid
Excelente información, felicitaciones por tu forma de explicar todo sobre bmw e46
My E46 M3 has 88K miles on it. It has of recently had a weak sounding start. I replaced battery it still sounds weak. Do you feel that starter is going out? Thanks.
Just put everything back together and I’m forgetting if I reattached the Throttle Position Sensor back on. Would that prevent the car from cranking? I’m still having the same problem of not cranking and the battery is charged as well.
Ahh man, you are a legend. Thank you so much
Hi Jason! Until now I had learnt a lot of things from you, and your videos relative to the videos of other channels very accurate and clear, at least for me. Although I have bmw e34 with m50 vanos engine, your videos are nice reference for me. So, I want to thank you a lot. Unfortunately I couldn't find in your channel a video for changing head gasket using BMW special tools, leaving the engine block under the hood. Please could you make some video for this with any type of bmw car?! Thank you in advance!
I do have a question though if you don't mind.. to cycle the engine (w/ fuel pump fuse pulled) to remove pressure & fuel from the injectors/rail, does the radiator & fluid need to be connected/filled to the motor? I was amidst replacing the OE radiator with Mishimoto (radiator already pulled, coolant drained) before deciding to full on commit to head gasket replacement altogether.. will be a major PITA if motor needs coolant just to cycle it to remove fuel from injectors/rail & then have to drain it again for HG replacement.. really appreciate it!
Anyway I could check the connections to the starter without removing the air box?
Do you know if anyone has converted in E 46 M3 SMG to the DCT transmission found in the M4?
B Souza no.
Awesome work. Nice cars too by the way... I'll be attempting this today. Only without the starter just changing tps and clean icv and throttle, although I should change that being I'm there. August 11th beemer shows so I got to get to work
andrew rivera MPact?
Thanks for this video also! Helped me complete my project!
I did everything how you said except I have a manual and now the car starts great but won’t stay running. Any thoughts on what I may have missed?
do you have any videos on the S54 engine for the M3, or what is the difference from a M54 and a S54 engine???
great DIY, all your DIY's are excellent. Thank you
Yo, what about oil return hose at the bottom of collector?
Awesome video thank you brother you help me out a lot just a quick question what are those clamps are you using I can’t seem to put the BMW ones back on and I even bought the new one but is there such a pain in the ass can you show me to the right direction where you got those clamps
Not related really but I have a 2004 m3 with smg. My mechanic told me i have a leak from the bottom of the tank where the hose connects. We both weren’t sure whether to replace entire manifold or just the hose so so start, I just ordered the hose and it will be delivered soon. Wanted to know if you have any experience dealing with a similar leak and whether or not in most cases it was the house or the entire tank that mounts to the manifold. Thanks
that's such a clean job.
Sorry to bother you, but is it possible that my intake cover is stuck due to the gaskets being on for so long? I was trying to get to my starter after watching your video on the starter replacement. I thought that it was just going to come off, but nope. I thought I was going to break something else.
Thank you,
Doug
That's the tool. Gonna see about buyers g one right now. Thanks.
Should we tighten the starter bolts to a spec or just nice and tight?
you got a link for that tool that has the flex head?
Hi, my m3 won’t start i hear the fuel pump running ones i turn the ignition on and fuses for starter are fine and also I won’t hear any clicking or anything from starter when i try to crank it. Do you think it’s a bad starter?
How’s that Bosch starts holding up? Was it worth it
Those E torx are a royal pain...
Good video it'll help offset the cost of my Big Money Waste e46m3
How much labour time pal? Ish
Great video, any part number or link to the trick swivel tool?
Where can you get a dowel
Thank you!
I love your videos man its really awesome and helpfull, just one question, how much SMG Oil did you put back after you all oil took out? There is -20 or something like this, whats that mean? Respekt bro
This will help me with replacing that SMG reservoir hose :(
Wow that box need a serious Mod Fix ! Too many connections !!! LOL
Appreciate the video!
Thanks you for this perfect diy
really appreciate this DIY!!
if you want to make your life easier, buy the VIM E12 Torx BMW starter wrench at ECS Tuning and thank me later.
@ShopLifeTV I need to did this and have just found the Valero version to buy in the UK. Do you recommend the Bosch or are they both just as good?
You rock man!!
Excellent video, thank you!!
Great job! Thank you very much
What did you use to replace the clamps from the plenum to the intakes? I can’t find anything that narrow and thin.
And great DIY!
What's up with the electric air box fan? Is that going to do anything but be a potential electrical fire waiting to happen?
It's supposed to help cool the smg pump, I don't recommend it
ShopLifeTV yes that true to.decrease the overheating of the smg pump . I dont think it will helps lot ... . I started replacing my starter yesterday and unfortunatly i stoped at the smg thank hose , as many people broke it , but now l feel.more confident .
So i want to thank u for this amazing video as usual . Btw i m.planing to modify my gearbox to manual too
Super video! I am following you 2, by the way I have an Ford Focus 2007, 1.6tdi 109hp Ghia!
I didn't know e46 M3s came with an electric supercharger xD
Lol forreal, I don't recommend doing this
Thanks for the video man!
And you did not clean the ICV ? What op with that !!!