'97 Z3 2.8 starter problem
 

Just get a click from solenoid when trying to start. New battery. Verified solid, clean ground. Eliminated clutch pedal safety switch. Tried Bentley manual procedure for turning on lights, then trying to start -- lights do not go out, so doesn't look like short internal to starter. Looks like solenoid might be bad, but to get at it/starter, says need to remove intake manifold. Anyone know of any shortcuts on this or something else I should be looking at before I rip things apart? Also, is the BMW special tool 16 1 050 really necessary to release the clips that hold the fuel line to the rail, or is there something else that will work? Thanks.

Have you completed the procedure?
I have the same problem on a 2000 Z3 M and it looks like that is the easiest way to remove the starter. It doesn't look like that it can be taken out from the bottom. I don't think you will need any special tools to remove the fuel line though.