How to install front exhaust manifold on 2002 X5 3.0i
 

Hi All,

I took off my exhaust manifolds off my 2002 BMW X5 3.0i when I pulled the head. Now the head is back on with the rear exhaust manifold on and I have not figured out how to install the front exhaust manifold without pulling head again. How do I get the front exhaust manifold back into that tight place. Angles of insertion, and anything I may need e to remove to get it in there will be appreciated!

Sincerely,

Aaron

Please guys these exhaust manifolds have been a nightmare since I started this job. I installed both before I put head on because they were such a pain to get off but the head and manifolds were to heavy for me to install on my own, so I removed front manifold. Thank goodness I only hand tightened the head bolts, so I won't need to buy a new head gasket to pull head again. I know there is a better way. I am embarrassed to say I pulled entire Muffler system to get the rear manifold connected after I put the head on to get it connected to manifold to begin with...

Hmm. According to TIS, you are on the right track. For removal, the front comes off first, then the rear. So for installation the rear should go on first,followed by the front. When I did headers on an E46, I supported the engine from above with an engine bar and removed the right engine mount to get more room to work with.

I ended up removing the head which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The block/head placers gauged the head the first install, so I resurfaced again, and preinstalled the manifolds, then a friend helped me lift the head and manifolds in. I think an engine lift would of been a big help:) thanks, Aaron

So you attached the exhaust manifolds to the head before putting the head back on the block??? Hmmm. I'm currently stuck at the exhaust manifold removal step. Is removing the head with the exhaust manifolds still attached possible as well?

More specific situation description over here:
https://xoutpost.com/1136594-post5.html

remove head with exhaust manifolds on
 

this is a bit late to help you, but others are looking for an answer. yes, you can remove head with both manifolds and cats attached. it takes a bit of prying and disparaging remarks about bmw engineers,but it comes out fairly easy. now going back on is another thing.

I removed the subframe, brackets and half shaft and access is great
https://i.ibb.co/s6Lwr6Q/20200715-134406.jpg
create hyperlink image online

The way to do this is to unbolt the exhaust down-pipes down from the manifolds and remove /install the head with the exhaust manifold attached. An engine hoist is a big help..maybe a necessity...in this process.

I have done an in-car head gasket on 2 E53 X5's ( 6 cyl) - and did them both this way..

I'm in the middle of the same project and found a Harbor Freight Cross bar engine support to be a big help.