[bimmer_6uy]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0jFI...OkDZ7nz4lUHgawAfter removing the 02 sensors, U clamps, bolts etc. I cant seem to remove the downpipe end from the middle silencer.

I've used up all of my lube and I don't have any for later.

[rjd_F30]

There's a tac weld on there somewhere that you're going to have to grind off.

[bimmer_6uy]

That or Im dropping my exhaust and literally going to throw into a pool of straight chlorine.

[meltbox]

Ahhh no. Okay so unbolt the first chassis hanger/support on your exhaust behind the cat. Then pull the exhaust backwards as hard as you can (assuming you are not freakishly strong) wiggling until it comes off. The clamp does not have to come completely off the pipe in order for it come off.

Just swapped my turbo on an xdrive so I had to do this. You will have to pull pretty hard. You do NOT have to take out the O2 sensors if you don't want to. It will come out with some twisting and turning and lots of collisions with the front reinforcement plate.

EDIT: Also probably just easier to pull off the reinforcement plate but note all the bolts are torque to yield so you need new ones on hand. You can probably get away with using the same bolts once. I did. I found using the jointing torque ~41 foot pound I think followed by 55ft lbs and pulling to click of the torque wrench or 30 degrees rotation was sufficient. Whichever came first. The spec calls for 60 degrees but since the bolts are stretched already you probably don't want to stretch them that much again and likely will only get decreased clamping force as you tighten further.

[bimmer_6uy]

I got it off after a feel bangs with a rubber mallet