Originally Posted by mejim707

Sorry for not providing a link.. You Can use the following link to remove the 02 sensors. And the second link to purchase the spacers.

Removal: https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-post-cat.html
Spacers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The reason for the 02 sensor removal tool is due to the very tight location of the vertical 02 sensor. It's very tricky to remove without that tool The tool makes it easy. You can rent one form AutoZone or Advanced for about $35. They give your money back when you return it. I highly recommend getting this tool to spare you a bunch of frustration.

One note, you can snip the wire tie holding the foil flexible heat guard. This will allow you to pull the heat guard away from the end of the 02 sensor enough to get the tool over and slide down the 02 sensor.

Hope this helps.