Tip for VANOS oil pipe removal

[BennyM]

The oil pipe to the M50's VANOS unit was leaking oil all over the place. It's a pretty straightforward swap with the new, over-priced one. Just two bolts.
I was really uninterested in the idea of removing the intake manifold, hoses, both throttles, air boot, air box, etc in order to get to one bolt down by the block. So, here's a method for getting the old pipe out and back in without all that extra manifold work.

What you need:
19mm wrench
19mm socket
socket swivel/flex joint
1ft socket extension
ratchet

First, remove the air duct pieces from the alternator.
Then, reach under the manifold and disconnect the oil pressure switch connector.
The top oil pipe bolt can be removed with the 19mm wrench without taking off the upper radiator hose.
The lower bolt is easier to handle with the socket and extensions combo shown in the pictures below. Basically, I utilized the center hole in the manifold and a foot-long socket extension so that I could ratchet the bolt below from up top.

This second image is underneath the front of the manifold and right behind the oil filter canister.


Hopefully this helps someone else.

[genphreak]

Yea that's a nice tip, thank you muchly for the pics and 'recipe' of tools. Definately one that will come in handy

I love the M50, if it wasn't for all that **** under the manifold that screams,

'Face, u got a BMW chassis and no hoist at home? Fool!'