Top nut front downpipe access

[Fedaykin528e]

1988 535is manual. Maybe I'm missing something obvious, I cannot seem to get a tool on this nut. It's directly above the pipe and the pipe bend prevents a straight shot to it from anywhere I can figure out. I don't have crow's foot sockets, maybe that would work but so paranoid of rounding these. What am I doing wrong? This is a job I've done before and do not remember this hassle.  Thanks as always. 
 

 

[kojo96]

The 5 out of the six bolts had decent access, one was tough, if this is that one, I think you have to go at it from the other side of that pipe, whith a long extension allowing the socket to seat. I highly suggest you use lots of penetrating fluid, I've rounded some of those bolts and that becomes absolutely no fun. I had one so bad, the easy out socket had to be pounded on so hard to get a bite, it ended up backing out the stud. 

[Mike W.]

Lots of extensions. Maybe a short one or two up by the nut, giving you a bit of a wobble joint. A 6 point socket is a must for exhaust work. But with enough extensions and a 6 point, it'll come off. Expect to have 2 feet of extensions lined up to get it off.

[Fedaykin528e]

It took a 6 point shallow socket and a u-joint extension and a lot of heat and PB and heat and PB and heat and PB and rounding it off more than I'd like but exhaust is off. Wobbles weren't enough to seat it safely, was worried the u-joint couldn't take the torque, but it's off. One (not this one) stud sheared, life's an adventure. The cat back is an ANSA replacement, I'll bet these downtubes aren't OE and are just a bit different.