E36 M3 Evo Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Help please!

[benm3evo]

Hi.

Discovered today that my exhaust manifold has split at the bottom where it joins the centre section so it needs replacing. It is the manifold at the front of the engine.

We (me & the old man) have had a go at getting it out today but at the moment it's stuck! We've taken out the air con hoses & part of the steering (can't remember correct term)& anything else that was in the way but it's still stuck.

Dad is thinking the engine mount needs to come out so it is free to pass so that's the next plan of action. We were wondering whether the done thing is to take the rear manifold off?? Or at least drop if off the head??

Can anyone give any advice on the above, perhaps from experience? I'm also concerned if it's this hard to get out how the **** does the new one go back in!!!

Any tips/advice would be much appreciated, also if anyone can recommend where to get a replacement it would be good. Going to call the dealer in the morning for an idea as I want new (not second hand) I reckon.

Thanks very much.
Ben.

[pat_y]

If it's the flexi joint area that has split (usually is), then best bet is give Sean at Iridium Engineering a call, he replaces loads of these with good quality braided steel joints.
http://www.iridiumengineering.co.uk/

[benm3evo]

Thanks for the reply.
It's actually the one without the flexi joint that's failed (so I've probably got the other one to look forward to breaking!!)
But thanks for the link, I might give them a call & see if this one can be repaired, once I've got it out!
Cheers

[benm3evo]

Just a bit more info, phoned the dealer today to see how much a new front manifold is.....£930!!!!

Think I will be looking second hand!

[T-bagger]

You need to undo both branches and remove then together from under the car. I did mine a few months back and left engine mounts and aircon in place. To be honest once the headshields and steering shaft are off it's not a bad little job. Oh and both branches need to go back together too, a little fiddly but doable.

[benm3evo]

Thanks for the reply.
In the end my Dad took the engine mount off & got it out pretty easily. Will have to see if the new one goes back in so easily though.
Cheers

[e46m3c]

Did mine the other month too and didnt need to take the engine mount off.

Also it went on much easier than it came off.

Good luck