1987 325is Exhaust Removal - Down Pipe Hitting Motor Mount Shield, Can't Remove

[Cloudbase]

Exactly like the title says. I'm rebuilding a shifter bushing on a friend's '87 325is. I've removed several E30 exhausts, but never ran into this. I let him borrow my E30, so I can't see if mine has that shield. The passenger side motor mount has a shield that is stopping the exhaust down pipe from coming off the bottom of the studs. I'm not optimistic I'll be able to get the studs out of the header.

ANYONE RUN INTO THIS?

Here's a picture. If I break the mid section I still don't think I'll have room to rotate the rear end up. The part with the arrow is the top of the motor mount shield. The shield attaches on the bottom side of the motor mount. The only only way to get the shield off is to jack the motor and remove the motor mount.



I can't find the motor mount shield on OEM either.

[Cloudbase]

Got it. I loosened the nuts on the bottom of the motor mounts and jacked the motor up about 1". It fell right out. I just don't remember this on my E30.

Maybe this thread will help someone else who runs into this.