Exhaust replacement

[Kentonius]

Hi

First post on here for me. Hello everybody
Exhaust on my 1988 325i gave out this week
2 piece exhaust and it's the front section that's gone
Have the new front section ready to fit but I have two questions

1. There is a corroded bracket between the first box and the engine which is bolted to the gearbox and supports the pipes. Can't seem to find a replacement new part - anybody know if these are still available

2. Access to where the exhaust bolts to the manifold is limited for normal socket set etc - any particular socket -bar combination that makes this an easier job?

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

1: Bracket part numbers are in this diagram, and as far as I know are still available. They definitely were until fairly recently. Either ask Cotswold BMW in our Traders' forum, or your local BMW dealer.

2: Should be able to get at the nuts from underneath with a long socket extension bar (or two), and IIRC, a swivel joint for one of them.
The correct nuts are slightly smaller than they would normally be for the size of the stud they are on, but if they have been replaced with standard nuts, some sockets may be a bit tight between the pipe and the side of the nut. Use a six sided socket on the nuts, preferably of the corner grip type, and buy new copper coated nuts to fit the new exhaust to the manifold.
There's a gasket between the manifold and downpipes, which usually survives, especially with a smear of exhaust paste

[Kentonius]

Thanks - was there a link to the diagram?
Trip to the tool shop for an extension bar or two I think. Bit of knuckle grazing ahead I suspect.

[Kentonius]

Found the bracket part on Real OEM now cheers

[Brianmoooore]

Thanks - was there a link to the diagram?

There was, and it would have helped if I'd remembered to paste it into my post!