BMW Not starting

So I moved my 2001 BMW Z3 out of the driveway and parked it on the street yesterday, and this morning I went to get in it and leave the house and all I got when I turned the key was this annoying click click click... When I did my research I discovered that it is the starter... Not excited about that... So I bought the part and the repair manual and it turns out that I am supposed to lift the car up in order to remove the starter from below while also removing the intake manifold to remove the top bolts. While I love my BMW, I kinda think that this was not the best place to put a part that regularly dies. Has anyone else had to replace a starter on an E36 Bimmer or really and BMW with the inline 6 engine? I'd rather not pay $XXX for someone to do it for me.

 

Give it a tap with a hammer and see if that frees it up, sometimes the solenoid can get stuck. Then you can at least pull it in the driveway.

You sure it's not the battery?

 

x2^^^

 

x2 try and jump it first. Sounds like one of your cells in your battery isn't charging.

 

I've got 6+ years of working at a BMW dealership and rarely ever see a starter go bad. Have your battery and charging system checked.

Also, call your local dealer and see if they take part in the "world class inspection" program. It's a free service provided to BMW/MINI customers which includes a thorough inspection of the vehicle including a battery test.

 

I tried jumping it first, it didn't seem to do anything. I'll try again after work, and I'l try hitting it, maybe that will help. I'm not sure if BMW of Honolulu does anything for free... They wanted $150 just to hook it to the computer diagnostic machine. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. Thank You all for the advice.

 

If you're jumping it with another vehicle, make sure you raise the rpms of the charging vehicle to 2,000 or above for a minute or two before attempting to start the BMW. I can almost guarantee it's a dead battery...

 

This ^^^

If the battery is really dead it may need this.

 

So, I took the Battery out and had it tested, The batter was completely shot. I have no idea how old the battery was but it's been replaced and the car has no more problems starting. Saved at least a couple hundred bucks not having to replace the starter, so I'm glad I got the advice of some individuals who are more knowledgeable in this are than me.
Thank You again for the help.