Yea, if you remove the heat shield and air cleaner it will be a lot easier. I can do it without removing the battery. And all you have to do is loosen the dip stick tube where the brace bolts to the manifold.

I found it easiest to cut 1'' off an allen wrench, insert it in the bolt and use a gear wrench or open end on the stub.

Thanks! I have done the 10 mm cut off allen in the past on another car. I may even have the bit already.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked