CPS replacement DIY

[M_3_X]

Hi all, new to E30's....
I have a "Crank, crank, crank, no fuel, no spark no start" issue and have narrowed it down to a bad CPS. (zero resistance)

Trying to trace the wiring, it seems like is tucked in really good behind some hoses/pulleys/belts, what parts do I need to remove to be able to get to the wiring and replace the CPS?

Also, what's the best tool/combination of tools to use to remove the 5mm bolt? I can't get enough torque on my hex wrench and the socket won't get in there/won't get good traction because of the A/C compressor on the way. I'm afraid of stripping it off.

Google hasn't been able to find a DIY for me...is there one somewhere or someone that can list the steps for me? The Bentley just say, "remove from bracket, remove from connector and replace"

1991 325i vert, 125,000 miles

[tcp88]

I stripped mine and had to drill it out which totally isn't what you want to do because it doesn't seat right now.

Try hitting it with a torch?

[ForcedFirebird]

Tap the bolt with a hammer, they are often stuck. If you get creative you can use 1/4" 13mm socket and extension to remove the whole bracket from the engine block. I have done it several times at the dyno when Megasquirt wanted a tighter gap. In factory state, the CPS wire runs behind the water pump pulley and has a plastic guide for it. If that guide is missing or broken the wire tends to get severed by the pump pulley over time. On the race cars, we remove the connector from the bracket and run the CPS wire over the timing belt cover, not only because of the water pump, but also they are quick to change and it's also convenient to zip tie an additional sensor to just in case one fails during a race.

[audiquattrot]

cut the wire and just pull it out from either end. Just make sure you unplug the right one on the drivers side. I went to install my CPS last year, and post install couldn't figure out why the car didn't start...turns out the plug next to it is the same....and the CPS wasn't plugged to the right plug.