[CMM3]

Did one myself with no lifts, on jackstand and no DIY. Very straight forward.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I've seen the xi N55 installation in person, on a lift, it's not fun. Non xi is a lot easier.

In essence you simply start taking everything off thats in your way, for the xi you will probably want to drop subframe, lower motor a little, ETC However, it can be avoided if I recall correctly.

[Slops]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

I've seen the xi N55 installation in person, on a lift, it's not fun. Non xi is a lot easier.

In essence you simply start taking everything off thats in your way, for the xi you will probably want to drop subframe, lower motor a little, ETC However, it can be avoided if I recall correctly.

Dropping the subframe on the xi is a must, not the motor though

[SpartanGA]

Originally Posted by adrock

Here is my order of operations along with sockets/sizes:

REMOVE
Remove Ground Covers (8mm Socket)
Loosen driver side steering rack bolt, remove passenger side (E12 Torx + 16mm (5/8in))
Remove heat shield plate (T25 Torx)
Unscrew Exhaust bolts (13mm Socket)
Unscrew Exhaust brace (E12 Torx)
Remove Tranny Mount Bracket from DP and Transmission
Unclamp VClamp (13mm Socket)
Remove O2 sensors (7/8in Wrench)

INSTALL
Attach tranny mount plate to new DP
Install O2 Sensors
For stock DP: Align DP bolts to exhaust (don’t tighten)
Install VClamp (don't use bolt)
Line up tranny mount points (put screws in, but don't' tighten)
Tighten VClamp
Tighten Transmission Bolts (14mm Socket)
Bolt Up exhaust loosely
Install Exhaust brace
Tighten Exhaust to DP
Install Heat plate
Install Steering rack bolts
Install Ground Covers


Reference
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104333

FWIW I do mine on a set of Race Ramps, and it usually takes about 3 hours.

Great list. 3 hours but not too many steps...tells me there is a lot of tight spaces and frustrations.

My local Indy shops have quoted $400 and $300 labor. I would love to DIY so I could switch back if needed easily. I have 335i ... NOT xi.

Given the steering removal, is this OK with ramps or should jackstands be used? personally, I am not as comfortable being under a vehicle on jackstands vs. ramps.

[Mlg]

How are you guys removing the vclamp/bolt? I could barely see the bolt let alone the clamp. Even if I find a way to remove the bolt how do you postion the clamp back in place. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have a coupe and xdrive.

[eddi3B.]

I did mine last night. Took me about 4 hours. Yea it was a pain in the SSS the first time but I got it done. Felt real good and Saved a few dollars.. Mine wasnt xi. Feel bad for u x drives out there. The exhaust note is amazing and u can hear the turbo right away. Ar design 4" is the way to go

[gustnyc]

Originally Posted by eddi3B.

I did mine last night. Took me about 4 hours. Yea it was a pain in the SSS the first time but I got it done. Felt real good and Saved a few dollars.. Mine wasnt xi. Feel bad for u x drives out there. The exhaust note is amazing and u can hear the turbo right away. Ar design 4" is the way to go

Glad u like it..enjoy map 2 bro..

[eddi3B.]

Originally Posted by gustnyc

Glad u like it..enjoy map 2 bro..

Thanks bro. Appreciate the hook up. Stop by whenever u need anything

[SpartanGA]

Originally Posted by eddi3B.

I did mine last night. Took me about 4 hours. Yea it was a pain in the SSS the first time but I got it done. Felt real good and Saved a few dollars.. Mine wasnt xi. Feel bad for u x drives out there. The exhaust note is amazing and u can hear the turbo right away. Ar design 4" is the way to go

Ramps? Lessons learned?

[eddi3B.]

Originally Posted by SpartanGA

Ramps? Lessons learned?

First off don't try to take any shortcuts cause it just won't work out. I had mine on my lift. First thing u want to do is locate the o2 sensor wires, disconnect the plugs and drop them down. Then lift up the car and start removing the dp. the trickiest part is to install the v-clamp back onto the new dp. Play with it and try to get it flush. Make sure it sits right or the bolt will not reach. And oh yea.. Where some gloves cause ull be burnin leather all day. Lol

[hiter202]

Hey, i been wanting to do this myself too, but eh lol im scared to take this upon myself, id do it if i had someone present for moral support who actually did this themselves ill supply beer hehe

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by elitefusion

Hey, i been wanting to do this myself too, but eh lol im scared to take this upon myself, id do it if i had someone present for moral support who actually did this themselves ill supply beer hehe

lmao, yeah i feel better working on my car when someone else is around too..

[hiter202]

Originally Posted by sA x sKy

lmao, yeah i feel better working on my car when someone else is around too..

Lol so lets do it hehe

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by elitefusion

Lol so lets do it hehe

lol well mine are already on..i don't mind helping you out if you want to tackle the install yourself.

[hiter202]

I am thinking about it but i dont have the ramps, jack stands, or any other major tools lol

[eddi3B.]

Originally Posted by elitefusion

I am thinking about it but i dont have the ramps, jack stands, or any other major tools lol

X-drive is gonna be a b****... good luck brotha

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by elitefusion

I am thinking about it but i dont have the ramps, jack stands, or any other major tools lol

If you get the ramps, I can help.

[xnfsx]

Did you guys end up doing this yourself? I want to. i have ramps!

[reirei725]

I did it on ramps and jacks. First time takes a bit longer but gets easier. Did my friends in an hour or so.

[xnfsx]

wish you were in nyc =[

[jmkworld]

anyone thats by philadelphia that has ramps? im xdrive and want to get this done

[R12ax7]

Good info on this thread....Like a lot of others here I feel like this is straight forward enough given plenty of time/patience. I would be using some combination of floor jack/stands/ramps as well. Hopefully there will be some more detail on the F30 in the coming months and i'll have the balls to try it.