How to open the starter
How to fix starter
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
How to fix starter
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
As far as where to get the starter, FCP Euro sells one for the E46. If you have an E46 M3, I'd make sure it doesn't use a special "M" starter as a lot of the time with the BMW M cars, they use special components in places like the starter; that said, I don't think that will be an E46 issue as this was before that became a notorious problem with the E9X and F "M cars", and the E6X to an extent (Notably the V10 M5 with the F1 engine). It's not cheap, but that's what you get with anything German like BMW; Mercedes and Audi are just as bad.
As far as installation, I'll need to find a service manual. You have to take the manifold off, but once you do that you can access it on the E46. Here is the video instructions on the intake manifold. It looks like BMW did a partial early 2000s Cadillac (GM's FWD V8 Northstar from that era placed the starter under the top head of the engine, so you need to take the heads off and replace not only the starter but also the head gasket) so it's not easily accessed, but at least you don't need to take the engine apart to get to it.
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Although @nick has given us some excellent information regarding the type of starter you need, where to get it, and how to install it, I wanted to clarify your question.
Are you saying you have the starter out of the car and want to know how to disassemble it for repair? That's how I read your question, but it seems from the way your question is stated that English may not be your native language so it could be an issue with translation. If you could elaborate on what you mean, it may help us understand better what you are asking.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Jerry Wheeler crwdne2934271:0
@dadibrokeit My concern is more if OP has a BMW M so I can confirm if the E46 has the E6X F1 (V10), E9X and F chassis issue where a lot of parts like this are specific to the M series. I don't think the E46 has the "M only" parts disease, but I need to know if they just have a standard E46 or M3 to be absolutely sure. Of course, I am assuming the stater is bad here until we know more. OP should be fine as this predates the custom "M" parts being a regular issue as even FCP says it works.
And yeah, $200 for a starter is a Germany issue; you never see this with Japan, America or Korea. If you want a German car (even as a weekend toy), you're going to pay for it. I would expect the same parts cost on an old Benz like the W140 or W202.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Nick crwdne2934271:0