[e92_josh]

Hi,
Looking for advice from those that have swapped a starter on the n53 or removed the manifold.

I have a starter issue that started with a cough at startup, leading to a grinding noise, ending with it just spinning.

I'm half way through removing the manifold and got my first view of the starter.
It's loose and one bolt has backed out most of the way!



That's the starter from the top, see the gap? Has anyone seen this before? I hope my flywheel is ok too.
I was surprised to see the bolts entering from opposing sides of the bell housing too? That's gonna make this job a pita..


Also, to get the manifold fully out it appears BMW routed a coolant line through the highlighted housing on the intake? Wtf is that haha? I disconnected the hose (green circle) and blue coolant poured out.