The WORST job on E30

[Ferdinand]

If you separate and pull the wiper motor out first, then the wiper rack is relatively easy to remove thereafter. No?

[HarryPotter]

probably removing a wheel.

[Conki]

I haven't had to do the wiper linkage, so the worst for me was the top three tranny bolts on the M20 (as someone previously mentioned it) when replacing the throwout bearing.
Must be nice being able to reach them from the engine bay on the M10s and M42s...

[Jean]

If you separate and pull the wiper motor out first, then the wiper rack is relatively easy to remove thereafter. No?

No. It's wedged behind the heater box...

[Simon S]

Worst for me was replacing the front-to-back main brake hard line..

4-6 hours spent disconnecting the old/rusty fittings.
1-2 hours droping exhaust/DS/tank
2-3 hours spent bending up new line per bends in old crusty line
1-2 hours spent tweaking bends for good fit
1-2 hours replacing exhaust/DS/tank with new fuel hoses

It was an epic fight.

Also did the 3 fuel hard lines "while I was at it".. Was thanking god above that at least the fuel lines came pre-bent - but still took some tweaking for proper fit.

[slammin.e28]

I have a hard time driving mine.

[andyman2487]

Worst for me was replacing the front-to-back main brake hard line..

DUDE. Horrible job, it took me six hours and I had the subframe dropped already. My old one was rusty as hell though, definitely an accident waiting to happen. If you ever do this job, replace EVERYTHING back there so you don't have to do it again anytime soon.

[Todd Black 88]

If you have small hands, wiper transmission is relatively simple. On the other hand, if you have mans hands......your fucked.

[Huff]

Diff fluid gives me nightmares. Kinda like dead pig fetuses.....

Yep. Had some fresh (not even used stuff) next to my face for a bit this weekend.. WORST SMELL EVER

Rear subframe brake lines. enough said......

That goes close to the top of the list. Especially original, northern cars for sure.

No. It's wedged behind the heater box...

Damn it man!! Why do you have to ruin my mojo! I've been sitting on a mono wiper kit for over a year now and I was just trying to get motivated to due it this summer.

Looks like it's going to be another year...

[jrobie79]

Worst for me was replacing the front-to-back main brake hard line..

4-6 hours spent disconnecting the old/rusty fittings.
1-2 hours droping exhaust/DS/tank
2-3 hours spent bending up new line per bends in old crusty line
1-2 hours spent tweaking bends for good fit
1-2 hours replacing exhaust/DS/tank with new fuel hoses

It was an epic fight.

Also did the 3 fuel hard lines "while I was at it".. Was thanking god above that at least the fuel lines came pre-bent - but still took some tweaking for proper fit.

gotta love the nickel copper lines....screw one fitting into its spot, then bend by hand, I bought mine about 2 inches long or so just in case my bends weren't perfect....but man what a relief, went in so damn easy...i can't imagine what you went through.

[MikeDE]

Rear subframe brake lines. enough said......

This^ . I did the left-side top, from the distribution block to the upper-flex hose, with my subframe hanging down on one side and it still took 2hrs to get it out, and 45minutes to get the new one back in.

[netcsk]

In my opinion, one of the worst is the starter on the m20. I think it sucks because the starter is so easy on sooo many other cars, but it is on the damn top on the m20.

[bmwguy325is]

Top tranny bolts are easy. Just use a swivel socket and a swivel and a lot of extentions and a long ratchet and it can be done with the ratchet by the out put shaft.
Wiper motor arm largest PITA for sure. I am scared cause mine has seen some abuse. Though dropping the oe exhaust with one person and a lift can be a challenge.

[QUKBMER]

Replacing three used motors inside of three months time in my car. All the motors were under warranty (no labor warranty though).

[tjmonsen5]

Wiper mechanism is definitely a HUGE BITCH!! I was so pissed off when I replaced mine. Yes, it is possible to remove the motor and linkage with the fan plastic fan housing in place, because I did it. Its just a huge pain in the ass, the thing barely fits in there at all.

I never want to do it again.