caged

honestly, i just use my farmers micrometers... (adjustable wrench)

25mm is 1 inch, so it's probably 13/16 or 15/16

just be careful, if you're lucky, you won't break that plastic threaded part and you may be able to reuse yours.

once you get that off, there is 3 or 4 bolts from the inside. i think they're 10mm maybe if i remember, then the motor will fall right out.

reverse steps to reinstall. next time it will only take you 20 minutes.

Orlo

Oh come on man!

Not getting sucked any further into this vortex.

I listed the tools needed earlier in the post. This is a simple R&R. Just get it done without baiting the bimmer bashers.

Remove the retaining nut, remove the mounting bolts, pull out the old unit. Reverse the procedure to install the new one.

BimmerJeeper

Actually, you gave incorrect advice.
3/4 wrench is about 19mm.
That retaining nut is larger than 22mm.
What's the size of the retaining nut?
I tried a vice grip, but it wouldn't grab.
I hope I didn't strip the nut, b/c then we get medieval on this thing!!
I might just buy a jumbo SAE wrench set.

Also, my torx socket bits didn't work to remove that door handle.
You need deep socket torx. I got away with using a hex socket bit, and got lucky.
I'm buying these $40 Deep Torx bits for next time.

BimmerJeeper

Damn, if it might break, then mine WILL break. I am going to order a replacement part just to avoid having to wait a week for the part after it breaks. It is called bezel? Can someone help me find the part number? It's page 671 of the PDF catalog.

Orlo

What can I tell ya, bimmer.

I just did this job 2 days ago on my 98 and it couldn't have been easier.

I'm tapping out.

NEXT!

Rambler65

I forgot about the handle, I just used one of those folding pocket-sized torx sets for that, similar to this:



I used an adjustable wrench on the big nut after letting it soak in penetrating oil for a while. It was tight, but came off OK. Remember this stuff has been bolted together and exposed to the elements for quite a few years - penetrating oil is your friend! I put everything back together with a liberal application of anti-seize compound to hopefully make it easier to get apart next time if my used junkyard part craps out.

BimmerJeeper

Hey Rambler, that folding Torx set is perfect. It's half the cost of of a deep socket Torx set. Thanks for the tip!

I prefer to use a socket or wrench on that nut.
I tried my vice grips and they kept slipping off.
I dont want to strip the nut.

Rambler65

Yeah, my daily driver is a foreign job that uses torx for nearly everything, so I keep a couple of those folding sets around. Mine actually has more sizes than the one at Amazon, but that's the closest I could find with a quick search.

If the nut is really stuck tight a six-point deep socket would be the ticket. Unfortunately I don't know the size since I used an adjustable wrench on mine. When working on fasteners that have been exposed to the elements don't spare the penetrating oil!

BimmerJeeper

Thanks, I'll soak it for a few days until I figure out what wrench I need to buy.

caged

ok i just went out to mine. it is a 7/8. now 22mm fits but is tight and 24 is a bit too big. i didn't have a 23mm handy but if they make one, it will likely be a good fit.

the nut should spin easily. if it doesn't you risk snapping the threads on that plastic bezel.

yeah, that plastic part is called a bezel, i google imaged to look for a matching part for ya, but an exact match didn't come up.

odgreen

only bimmer could take this long to do a 0.8 book time job........

odgreen

Did I say .8?
I'm sorry...... 0.6 book time job.

BimmerJeeper

Caged, thanks you for verifying the size.
I have every wrench except 23mm.
I'll pick up a 7/8" wrench at the Depot.

caged

you're welcome mang.

BimmerJeeper

Borrowed a 7/8" and it fit perfectly.
Nut came off with no issues.

So, any ideas on how I can open this motor up and try to clean it?