It's my understanding that you can loosen the bolts that attach the fuel distributor and slide it forward a bit to facilitate removing the starter, but I've never tried it. Apparently it gives you just enough room to move the starter forward, then out. Still, it's going to be a cramped job. I have to do this sometimes, because I'm tiring of whacking my soleniod with a stick everytime it's hot outside. Let us know how it goes! -alan 83 320i 79 320i