[Engine] CAT/DPF removal - can it be pulled out upwards?

[GraemeT]

Hello all

110 HP 1.6 HDi engine - need to get the combined cat/dpf unit out (this is on the Mini). I have very limited access to underneath. Looking at the unit I think it may be possible to get the heat shields/pipework off without removing the radiator. If so can the entire unit then be pulled out upwards?

[I ask as all the BMW Mini guides show it being dropped out underneath which, if you have a lift is just fine and dandy]

Thanks

[cancunia]

IIRC I dropped mine (M59) out from the bottom as the pipe is connected underneath the sump. But, I think I put it back from the top. Must also say that I had to remove the radiator to get the heat shield off & mine was pre DPF.

[GraemeT]

Duh - feckit, I engaged keyboard without thinking but now I think about it....

Yup - you're right, the bottom pipe on the cat sits under the sump which is even shaped to allow that to happen - I guess the clue would have been the fact that I had to shift the bottom pipe to get the sump off when I replaced the strainer (sometimes I am a total numpty).

Looking at this one compared to the 'Lingo there's maybe a bit more space around the rad - I can certainly get onto the locating nuts/bolts for the heat shields and the pipework from the side but the bottom 'bulge' where the dpf locating ring locks may be a problem.... I think I'm going to have to get the radiator out then get the front jacked up enough to drop the cat out.

Thanks for jogging my memory

:-)

[cancunia]

You may be lucky with the radiator, I think mine was a bit closer to the exhaust due to the aircon heat exchanger.

[V6BOY]

Yep dropped the cat on the MK2 fairy easy unsure about the mini. But good tip is cover the rad with cardboard save the fins getting damaged it will be tight.

[GraemeT]

Pulling the radiator out of the Mini is not uber-complicated as the whole front end between the wings can be removed without too much hassle - but on an older one you tend to break/snap the plastic fittings so refitting it is problematical.

I think sheet of card/ply may be the way to go on this one (no aircon either  :-))