Thanks for that info, I would love to know how you accessed the bolt, especially with a normal spanner, it literally seems impossible on the E53.

I just can’t get in properly, from the front the engine mount is in the way, from the side the frame is in the way, from above the block is in the way, and from below various lines and metal piping is in the way. I’ve disassembled absolutely everything that can be removed from the side of the engine, washer bottle, dipstick out, transmission cooler and all wheel plastics, fan etc and I still can’t access it.

Did you have a special long shifter or angled or anything special to undo it?

I certainly won’t be replacing that bolt, the two front are sufficient and I don’t want to ever go through this again !