Header install question

claasmi · 06-21-2017, 04:59 PM

For those that have installed headers on their 128i,

1. How did you access the header to engine block bolts on the rear bank? The front bank isn't a problem (moving the coolant reservoir out of the way helps alot), but I am just not seeing how you would access the rear bank bolts. Did you remove/move something (I've already removed everything you would if you were doing plugs/coils) or just creative angles? Also did you access them from above or below the car?

I've read every DIY I could find, but none of them really went into any detail with regards to how they actually managed to access these hard to get to bolts.

2. Did you replace the studs or just use the existing ones? (I know you should replace the nuts). Did you have any problems putting the headers on with all the studs in place? I've heard some people removed some studs in order to be able to fit the new headers in place and then screw those studs back in with the header already in place.

asbrr · 06-21-2017, 06:08 PM

Can't help you on the install part, but curious what headers you're putting in. Would love to get a listen/have a look at them if you ever go to any of the local meets.

Good luck on the install!

claasmi · 06-21-2017, 06:50 PM

I got AA headers (and AA tune). I also already have the BMW performance exhaust which I have heard is very loud with catless headers, interested to see what it will sound like. I'm in Toronto area, never been to a (1addicts) meet before, I should probably see what there is near me. Ill also try to post a video when it's done.

gixracer · 06-21-2017, 08:54 PM

Getting to the back nuts requires patience. I had a ratcheting box wrench along with 1/4 inch drive to get them out. Maneuvering the wrench into position takes feel and luck. Having the box end with ratchet is a must when tightening the new headers.
If a stud comes out inspect it and make your decision from there. I have had studs come out on other BMW motors and just re inserted them with the nuts still on. There is not reason to replace a stud, especially if they don't come out. Do NOT tap the hole if one does come out, the nut was the issue not the stud.

crowtrobot · 06-21-2017, 09:11 PM

Seconding the suggestion of a ratcheting box wrench. I would recommend getting one that pivots too, made life a lot easier.

If I recall correctly, we took the rear bank out first, reaching up from the bottom with some help guiding the ratchet/wrench from the top.

I replaced pretty much all of my studs, most of them came out with the nuts.

06-21-2017, 04:59 PM	#1
claasmi Private 37 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 128i [0.00]	Header install question For those that have installed headers on their 128i, 1. How did you access the header to engine block bolts on the rear bank? The front bank isn't a problem (moving the coolant reservoir out of the way helps alot), but I am just not seeing how you would access the rear bank bolts. Did you remove/move something (I've already removed everything you would if you were doing plugs/coils) or just creative angles? Also did you access them from above or below the car? I've read every DIY I could find, but none of them really went into any detail with regards to how they actually managed to access these hard to get to bolts. 2. Did you replace the studs or just use the existing ones? (I know you should replace the nuts). Did you have any problems putting the headers on with all the studs in place? I've heard some people removed some studs in order to be able to fit the new headers in place and then screw those studs back in with the header already in place. Last edited by claasmi; 06-21-2017 at 05:05 PM..
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06-21-2017, 06:08 PM	#2
asbrr Major 545 Rep 1,233 Posts Drives: 2014 335ix M-Sport Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Can't help you on the install part, but curious what headers you're putting in. Would love to get a listen/have a look at them if you ever go to any of the local meets. Good luck on the install!
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06-21-2017, 06:50 PM	#3
claasmi Private 37 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 128i [0.00]	I got AA headers (and AA tune). I also already have the BMW performance exhaust which I have heard is very loud with catless headers, interested to see what it will sound like. I'm in Toronto area, never been to a (1addicts) meet before, I should probably see what there is near me. Ill also try to post a video when it's done.
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06-21-2017, 08:54 PM	#4
gixracer Lieutenant 278 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 1M3/SlickN55/SlickN54/128 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Waterford, Michigan iTrader: (6)	Getting to the back nuts requires patience. I had a ratcheting box wrench along with 1/4 inch drive to get them out. Maneuvering the wrench into position takes feel and luck. Having the box end with ratchet is a must when tightening the new headers. If a stud comes out inspect it and make your decision from there. I have had studs come out on other BMW motors and just re inserted them with the nuts still on. There is not reason to replace a stud, especially if they don't come out. Do NOT tap the hole if one does come out, the nut was the issue not the stud. Last edited by gixracer; 06-23-2017 at 03:14 PM..
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06-21-2017, 09:11 PM	#5
crowtrobot First Lieutenant 366 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Philly iTrader: (1)	Seconding the suggestion of a ratcheting box wrench. I would recommend getting one that pivots too, made life a lot easier. If I recall correctly, we took the rear bank out first, reaching up from the bottom with some help guiding the ratchet/wrench from the top. I replaced pretty much all of my studs, most of them came out with the nuts.
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