Tool Type Needed for Mid-Pipe Removal

[NC]

Can anyone confirm that the mid-pipe exhaust hangers are fastened with standard Torx nuts and bolts, (e.g., TT50, etc.), or are they some special type or size that is unique to BMW?

I want to ensure that I get the right tool for the job. Please see images for details. They appear to be Torx but I am unsure if they are a unique size that a standard Torx tool can remove.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[MDORPHN]

Std torx.

Neil

[Aussie_in_London]

Yep standard, just had mine off today.....

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by NC

Can anyone confirm that the mid-pipe exhaust hangers are fastened with standard Torx nuts and bolts, (e.g., TT50, etc.), or are they some special type or size that is unique to BMW?

I want to ensure that I get the right tool for the job. Please see images for details. They appear to be Torx but I am unsure if they are a unique size that a standard Torx tool can remove.

Any advice would be appreciated.

The torx is a T50 (I think you can even see that stamped into the bolt head!). The inverse torx bolts are called or labeled "E" with a number. I think they are E18 or an E16 (in your case). I have a metric tool set with all of those sockets - it makes life so much easier working on BMW's.

[NC]

Thank you to you all for the information. Half the battle is having the right tool for the job. The forum pulls through for the win!

[Papethova]

The inverse torx can be removed with a regular socket

[Sixspeed J]

Originally Posted by Papethova

The inverse torx can be removed with a regular socket

Thanks for mentioning used a 8mm socket on this and worked like a charm.

[ayao]

Just wanted to add information to this thread about additional socket sizes and such required for swapping out a midpipe. Most of this wouldn't be a big deal for the average joe but I had a limited selection of tools and would have preferred knowing what was required ahead of time.

1. The braces extending to the rear of the car (the ones connected to the plate that's held in place by the T50 bolts) are 18 mm in size. They were on quite tight despite having a "10.7" (Nm, presumably) torque spec stamped on the head.

2. The midpipe is connected to the muffler by two spring bolts that are 14 mm in size.

3. The midpipe is connected to the downpipe by 2 pairs of 13 mm nuts. These were on pretty tight and somewhat rusty; two of the bolts (one on each downpipe section) are awkwardly located. I tried using a box wrench but there wasn't enough room to maneuver and would have taken forever (perhaps a ratcheting box wrench would have been more useful?) In the end I used a 13 mm deep socket on a ratchet that I was able to slide between the heads of the midpipe. (A standard 13 mm won't work due to the amount of bolt that protrudes.) The N55 midpipe configuration where it mates with the downpipe is slightly different in spacing than the N54 so I had to get to the awkward bolts from the backside when putting the new pipe on.

I used new gaskets. The part numbers for the rear section doughnut gasket that interfaces with the muffler is 18117553130 ($21) and the gaskets up front by the downpipes are 18307553603 - $15, need 2).

It took the better part of an afternoon.

In retrospect, beer would have substantially softened the blow.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ayao

Just wanted to add information to this thread about additional socket sizes and such...

Great, thanks for updating this info!

[int2str]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The torx is a T50

No, T47