How to Install a 1989 BMW Starter

1. Locate the starter on your 1989 BMW by tracing the positive battery cable, which splits and travels to the alternator and the starter. The E30 3 Series's starter is located underneath the air intake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench or socket wrench.
3. Unscrew and unbolt the air intake hoses and air filter box from the BMW's engine. Pop the tabs on all of the electrical connectors and pull them apart. Mark the male and female ends with masking tape and a marker to remember where each part connects to its mate.
4. Disconnect the electrical connection leading to the starter. Unscrew the copper bolt where the positive battery cable lead connects to the starter's main terminal.
5. Use a socket or torque wrench to back out the mounting bolts for the starter. Remove the old starter and install the new one. Do not force the mounting bolts into the starter's mounts. If they do not easily screw in, the starter might be misaligned with the flywheel. Remove the bolts and start over again.
6. Tighten the starter mounting bolts with a torque wrench set to 35 foot-pounds. Reconnect the electrical connection leading to the starter. Screw on the positive battery cable lead to the bolt on the starter's primary terminal. If the battery cable's connection is a metal component, set the torque wrench to 4 foot-pounds. If it is made of plastic, set the torque wrench to 1 foot-pound.
7. Reconnect all air intake and manifold connections, remembering to double-check each sensor and electrical connection which has tape on it to remind you of its correct placement. Reinstall the air cleaner filter box. Tighten the intake manifold support to 15 foot-pounds. Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn your BMW on to make sure that the starter works correctly.