BMW E83 X3 Lower Steering shaft removal

[BMWfanforever]

Hi all,

I am doing a cylinder head replacement on my E83 X3 3.0si, and the only way is to remove it with the exhaust manifold still attached. The steering shaft must be removed though, which I have disconnected. The problem I have is that I can't figure out how to get it out, as the exhaust still catches on it when trying to remove the head.

Want to avoid fiddling with the steering tie rods if possible. Anybody tackled this job, all help greatly appreciated.

cheers,

Jason.

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

why cant you remove the branch manifold?

 

[BMWfanforever]

why cant you remove the branch manifold?

I literally can't reach all the nuts from above and below, the aircon hoses are right up against it, and the steering column is also in the way. I spoke to a local mechanic who specialises in BMW's, and he said steering must come out, and the manifold will come out with the head.

:blueCry:

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

Once again the engineers tried to screw the mechanics/technicians... :thumbdo:

 

[evnmopwr]

why cant you remove the branch manifold?

I literally can't reach all the nuts from above and below, the aircon hoses are right up against it, and the steering column is also in the way. I spoke to a local mechanic who specialises in BMW's, and he said steering must come out, and the manifold will come out with the head.

:blueCry:

Good luck dude

This the M54 3.0l in it?

 

[CA_130]

What if you loosen the engine mounts, and jack the motor over to the passenger side to give you some more room to either get the bolts loose, or some more space to pull the head out

 

[evnmopwr]

What if you loosen the engine mounts, and jack the motor over to the passenger side to give you some more room to either get the bolts loose, or some more space to pull the head out

This is the exact reason i asked if his car is the M54. :thumbs:

That is how i got mine out on my 320i E46

 

[Blue Shirt]

3.0si implies N52 motor.

 

[evnmopwr]

3.0si implies N52 motor.

Thanks for confirming...:thumbs:

 

[Blue Shirt]

Another option is to remove or loosen the steering rack. If you mark the locking nuts on the tie-rods you should be able to get the toe-in close enough to spec to drive to an alignment centre.

 

[BMWfanforever]

why cant you remove the branch manifold?

I literally can't reach all the nuts from above and below, the aircon hoses are right up against it, and the steering column is also in the way. I spoke to a local mechanic who specialises in BMW's, and he said steering must come out, and the manifold will come out with the head.

:blueCry:

Good luck dude

This the M54 3.0l in it?

Thanks man,:thumbs: I bit off a crap load tackling this job. No it's the N52 3.0si motor. One of the eccentric shaft stops broke off in the head. Whole head replecement, and BMW wants R72 grand for a new head. :roflol: Doing the job myself, and getting recon unit from Steves Auto clinic.

---

What if you loosen the engine mounts, and jack the motor over to the passenger side to give you some more room to either get the bolts loose, or some more space to pull the head out

Thant's a great idea, thanks!:thumbs: Will give it a try tomorrow. I tried worming it out by myself last night but the damn thing weighs like 45kg without the manifold and I'm not a spring chicken anymore.