I'm well used to it and don't find it painful. Like everything on a BMW, you need to know how it went together to take it apart (gnnn)
Tip: There is light at the end of the tunnel, after years of breaking things it actually becomes a n endearing quality. Until you break the next part in an endeavour to repair something new or that you've forgotten about!
The problem I have is that everything is too damn happy in situ after 20 years. The line between breaking parts like the fan resistor out of their hole and breaking something is quite fine, especially when trying to keep the retaining clips relieved whilst you lie upside down breaking your lower spine with your arm cramping in a vain attempt to pull it out the required angle!
@ClasrksonValley; Nicely written piece, thank you. I've often been confused reading the Bently, but am used to as I only work on RHD cars, a lot of these things are reversed so I'm too used to looking on both sides...