Socket for x-pipe from header removal?

FruitCake · 05-15-2012, 07:19 AM

Ive seen this done but attempting this myself. What kind of socket do we need for this bolt that connects to the headers? I know its not a regular hex, but a large star shape one?

THE TECH · 05-15-2012, 07:58 AM

Torx

M3PO · 05-15-2012, 12:18 PM

It's an external torx (the socket number starts with E instead of T) though, not a regular one. I needed to pull the tranny from an an E36 M3 on short notice which uses external torx also and luckily O'Reilly Auto Parts had them.

FruitCake · 05-15-2012, 03:46 PM

cool thx

hova00 · 05-15-2012, 04:32 PM

Have you tried a 12pt. socket?

RGS · 05-29-2012, 06:36 AM

e16 torx

Moxie · 05-29-2012, 01:40 PM

You can use a 12 point metric, I forget the size, & hold the nut on back with a wrench. No need to go buy a new socket. Key is to drop the skid plate & hold the nut on the back. May wanna loosen the nut on back a quarter turn before turning the socket. No need to overtorque when you put it back together. You'll just shred the gasket.

C|3R1C · 06-28-2012, 07:59 PM

I've also been able to use a 3/8 socket. That fits nicely. Just careful, those bolt heads are a little soft.

surlynkid · 06-28-2012, 08:15 PM

Buy the correct inverse torx as recommended. Don't half ass it with the wrong tool. Just like don't swap 3/4" for 19mm. Buy a whole set of inverse torx and they will last you a lifetime.

pbonsalb · 06-28-2012, 08:57 PM

10 mm flex head ratcheting wrench fits perfectly, is very easy to use in terms of fitting on top of the flange from underneath the car, and works great with an impact wrench on the bottom side although you can use a manual socket also. I have done this job half a dozen times.

surlynkid · 06-29-2012, 11:08 AM

E6-E16 set. Buy it.

Moxie · 06-30-2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surlynkid

E6-E16 set. Buy it.

Might just do that - though if you loosen the nut on the back a turn or two, you can turn the bolt with your fingers

pbonsalb · 07-01-2012, 06:56 AM

I have an E6-16 set. I also have an air compressor. And many feet of extensions and u-joints. I don't use those tools. And I have done this job six times.

I was above the car and under the car trying to figure out the easiest way to swap x-pipes. My experience was that the flex head ratcheting wrench in 10 mm folded at a right angle and slipped up over the top of the torx head from below was the easiest way. There is little space to get a regular ratchet with a torx head up from below, so you would have to approach from the top. Do a line of sight from under the hood. Do a test with your socket extensions to see whether you can easily get down there. It can be done. The question is what is the easiest way to get the job done without damaging anything. You will have to decide for yourself.

05-15-2012, 07:19 AM	#1
FruitCake Banned Drives: '10 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,687 iTrader: (19)	Socket for x-pipe from header removal? Ive seen this done but attempting this myself. What kind of socket do we need for this bolt that connects to the headers? I know its not a regular hex, but a large star shape one?
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05-15-2012, 07:58 AM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 11,925 iTrader: (39)	Torx __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportLabs

05-15-2012, 12:18 PM	#3
M3PO Colonel Drives: '08 IB E92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: OC Posts: 2,189 iTrader: (6)	It's an external torx (the socket number starts with E instead of T) though, not a regular one. I needed to pull the tranny from an an E36 M3 on short notice which uses external torx also and luckily O'Reilly Auto Parts had them. __________________ 2008 IB E92 M3\| BBS \| KW \| Arkym \| Platte Forme A.G. \| Active Autowerke \| K&N \| Fabspeed \| Dinan \| Evolve-R

05-29-2012, 06:36 AM	#6
RGS Enlisted Member Drives: 2012 e92 m3 (march 2012 ED) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: las vegas,nv Posts: 47 iTrader: (0)	e16 torx __________________

05-29-2012, 01:40 PM	#7
Moxie Lieutenant Colonel Drives: AW E90 M3/SG 335d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stuttgart Posts: 1,778 iTrader: (10)	You can use a 12 point metric, I forget the size, & hold the nut on back with a wrench. No need to go buy a new socket. Key is to drop the skid plate & hold the nut on the back. May wanna loosen the nut on back a quarter turn before turning the socket. No need to overtorque when you put it back together. You'll just shred the gasket. __________________ Evolve - Eisenmann - Challenge - StopTech - Pagid - Eibach - Vorsteiner - BMW Performance - Volk - Advan

05-15-2012, 03:46 PM	#4
FruitCake Banned Drives: '10 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,687 iTrader: (19)	cool thx

05-15-2012, 04:32 PM	#5
hova00 Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: EAST COAST Posts: 537 iTrader: (4)	Have you tried a 12pt. socket?

06-28-2012, 07:59 PM	#8
C\|3R1C So Kewl Guy Drives: 2010 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 407 iTrader: (0)	I've also been able to use a 3/8 socket. That fits nicely. Just careful, those bolt heads are a little soft. __________________ 2010 E93 M3 / AA Catless X-Pipe / AA Catback / Vorsteiner Vented Hood and Bootlid E93 Trunk / ADV1 7.1 Wheels GB / LS3 LED Lights / AFE Stage 2 / Velos Designwerks Tune In progress: AA Pulley

06-28-2012, 08:15 PM	#9
surlynkid Lieutenant Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX Posts: 526 iTrader: (1)	Buy the correct inverse torx as recommended. Don't half ass it with the wrong tool. Just like don't swap 3/4" for 19mm. Buy a whole set of inverse torx and they will last you a lifetime. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 \| 90mm Turner Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Performance Steering Wheel \| CF Mirror Caps \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit \| Vorshlag Camber Plates \| AiM Solo DL

06-28-2012, 08:57 PM	#10
pbonsalb Major Drives: 08 E90 M3, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 1,174 iTrader: (3)	10 mm flex head ratcheting wrench fits perfectly, is very easy to use in terms of fitting on top of the flange from underneath the car, and works great with an impact wrench on the bottom side although you can use a manual socket also. I have done this job half a dozen times.

06-29-2012, 11:08 AM	#11
surlynkid Lieutenant Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX Posts: 526 iTrader: (1)	E6-E16 set. Buy it. Attached Images

07-01-2012, 06:56 AM	#13
pbonsalb Major Drives: 08 E90 M3, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 1,174 iTrader: (3)	I have an E6-16 set. I also have an air compressor. And many feet of extensions and u-joints. I don't use those tools. And I have done this job six times. I was above the car and under the car trying to figure out the easiest way to swap x-pipes. My experience was that the flex head ratcheting wrench in 10 mm folded at a right angle and slipped up over the top of the torx head from below was the easiest way. There is little space to get a regular ratchet with a torx head up from below, so you would have to approach from the top. Do a line of sight from under the hood. Do a test with your socket extensions to see whether you can easily get down there. It can be done. The question is what is the easiest way to get the job done without damaging anything. You will have to decide for yourself.

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