Hi everyone, I have a 2004 545 Sport with the V8 engine and manual. I recently purchased for my son (and myself).
So the starter went, I'm having trouble locating it. Everywhere I search on the web it seems to have a different location and different approaches. But i'm not sure if they're all talking about this same engine. It's such a tight fit in this engine bay I want to get the plan of attack right, wether from the top, bottom, driver or pass side wheel wells.
I also think this might not be the original intake manifold judging by other pics and chatgpt.

It's been a while since I've worked on my cars and been a part of a forum. Was buying new lately. I used to have a VW VR6 and was always in the VWVortex forums. I'm excited to be back in the mix and look forward to what this form brings.

Thanks in advance for all your help and knowledge!

 

Surf for "starter N62"...N62 is the engine in your car.

 

Thanks twh, I've tried that too. I still get conflicting starter locations. Wish I could find an entire engine bay diagram. It's the 4.8L.
They made a vew versions of the N62, 4.2 - 4.4, 4.8 and Alpina

 

Go to Realoem.com. Put in the last 7 digits of you VIN and it will bring up a parts directory for you car, including exactly you build date and engine.

 

Thanks. I was able to get some help on https://www.manualslib.com/manual/16...?page=9#manual and https://bimmers.com/shop/?category=engine

Turns out the starter is located on the passenger side, under the exhaust manifold, but above the actual exhaust. Tricky spot.
The thing that's been throwing me off with this engine is that in every diagram and picture, the Air intake is going to the passenger side of the car. In this car, it's towards the Drivers side. So I never feel like I had the right engine diagram. And even some videos showed them replacing the starter on the Pass side.