I just removed the exhaust manifold to replace a bad manifold gasket. I obviously had to remove the Turbo. It was a BIG job that took me about 6 hours. I fixed the annoying and embarrassing clack - clack - clack exhasut noise but there is still excessive noise from the turbo to manifold and turbo to exhaust pipe interfaces. I'll probably redo the job again soon although this time I've been through the learning curve so it will be MUCH easier. I suppose to really get the turbo / manifold interface right it needs to be scraped and blued with red lead to get it REALLY flat.

I've looked through the FAQs and the posts don't specify if the Turbo should come off first and then the manifold or all as one VERY heavy unit. The FAQs also refer to several older designs with studs through the manifold to retain the turbo. Not so on later 740 cars like mine. The other trick is: How do you torque the manifold to turbo nuts? There's NO wrench clearance? Specially ground crows feet?!

ANY THOUGHTS OR EXPERIENCES?

Two things are for sure - The oil console on the side of the block has to come off to get at the bracket under the manifold, and it's a good idea to soak the manifold bolts every night for a week before attempting the job. I did the soak in PBLaster every night for a week trick and had NO issues with broken studs.
In all it was very rewarding to do a job like this, close the hood and drive away with a much quieter car.
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D '90 745T 229k, '88 744GLE 129k, '96 328i, '73 911T 100k+