Help...

[Blue2002]

Does anybody know the best way remove the bolts holding the exhaust maifold to the downpipe? The seem to be pretty tricky to get at. Does anybody have any tips?

[beammmer]

reapply, let it sit and double nut it. Can I say that here?

I assume your talking of the exhaust studs.

Don

[Guest_anonymous]

long extension with a swivel socket

[02Les]

long extension with a swivel socket

+1 and safety glasses for all the crap that falls down on you.

[wegweiser]

They should be studs...not bolts. If you just want to remove the nuts and allow removal of the downpipe, I recommend heat...at *least* MAP gas if you don't have access to hotter gas torches. Get 'em hot, then use a long extension and 6 point sockets (NOT 12 point!) Don't mess with removing the studs unless you have to...and then, I'd recommend taking the entire manifold off the car. Not always fun.

Some nuts are 14mm, some 15mm, and some 16 or 17mm....depending on what previous installer used. The current ones sold by BMW for this application are Copper clad (this is a GOOD thing!) and 14mm I think...making subsequent removal much easier.

HTH!

Paul Wegweiser

[jgerock]

I think mine are 15mm (socket size). One broke so I replaced it with a bolt.

Use a long 1/2" extension and big ratchet or breaker bar from underneath after penetrant/heat application.