I just did the clutch and didn't have to touch the exhaust at all. Just that front heat shield you can slide out over the pipe and then you can get the transmission crossmember out. No need to touch the exhaust.

If the seats are black I would be interested in them.

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'05 E53 3.0 6mt
'17 F30 340ix 6mt
'96 E36 328is, in progress