New Z3 Owner - Exhaust Clamp Bracket replacement

[Artrider]

Hi all – I bought a beautiful black 2000 Z3 2.3 a couple of weeks ago, and will be replacing the Exhaust Clamp Bracket in the near future, and thought I'd see if anyone has any advice for me on this project.

After I bought the car, I took it to a local BMW dealer for an oil change. To my surprise, upon completion they provided me with an excellent video pointing out potential problems. One of those problems is that the current clamp/bracket is severely corroded. So, I ordered a replacement, and expect to get it next week.

My first concern is finding the best way to lift and support the car so I can get under it. Given how low the front end is, driving it up on ramps seems out of the question (although I've seen a video of that done on a 3-series using 2x4's as a kind of pre-ramp). Any advice here would be GREATLY appreciated.

After that, I'm guessing the toughest part will be getting the old part off – thinking maybe my multi-tool can help there.

I've attached a picture showing the part I'm replacing (in RED).

Thanks in advance!
Marc

[delvec]

Given how low the front end is, driving it up on ramps seems out of the question (although I've seen a video of that done on a 3-series using 2x4's as a kind of pre-ramp). Any advice here would be GREATLY appreciated.

Driving it up ramps is not a problem...I've done it plenty of times to inspect and do work under vehicle.

[zellamay]

Some ramps have less angle to them, for lower cars. Please make sure you are safe. Wheel chocks are always a good idea.

[Hoyt Clagwell]

Since this clamp is near the center of the car, if it were me, I'd lift all 4 corners. I'm a little claustrophobic so I don't like squeezing under really tight spots.

My method is a bit tedious but it works and feels safe to me. With a low-profile floor jack under the front cross brace, I lift the front of the car high enough to get a 6" X 6" X 18" block under each side at the jack pads. (I ran the 6" X 6"s over a jointer, on opposite sides to make good flat surfaces for stacking) I then move to the back and lift the car under the solid area of the diff (don't touch the fins) and place a 6" X 6" under both sides at the jack points. I then repeat this process until I have a stack of three 6" X 6"s under all of the jack points. This gives me a total height of about 16" off the ground and is very sturdy.

I found out that that brace only properly fits in one orientation although upside down is very close.

[Dakar Ole]

I accomplished the replacement of this part with only the passenger side jacked up at the front jack/sill point. It's only a few easy to remove bolts.

[Artrider]

Good to know - thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

Driving it up ramps is not a problem...I've done it plenty of times to inspect and do work under vehicle.

Thanks!

[Artrider]

Thank you Delvec, Zellamay, Hoyt and Dakar. All very helpful info, and I appreciate your taking the time to respond.