Starter Replacement

[318ti_Meathead]

My starter is starting to go so I will need to replace it soon on my 318ti. I got the Bentley manual and it states that you need to take some bolts off from under the car. Is that really true? I really don't want to crawl under the car if I can avoid it if there is a trick to doing it from the top.

[craig78v]

How did you diagnose your starter "starting to fail"...

My car irratically has a problem where I turn the key and the dash lights come on but the car doesnt crank...all you hear is an electrical whining noise. - Turn the key off and then the car fires straight up.

I'm thinking starter or crank sensor - any ideas?