paran

You mean the black, flexible tube, about 1" in diameter, cinched in place with a plastic strap?

I released that without question, and it freed up some space, but not enough for a hand to squeeze in (at least not mine); or do you mean the steering column shaft?

I avoided loosening any bolts (especially on the steering colum shaft) as there was no way to correctly torque them. I am frustrated that I wasn't able to properly torque the O2 sensor but there was no way to get my torque wrench into a proper position to register an accurate reading.

f1peterc

Folks,
I replace the pre-cat oxygen sensors on my 2005 545i SMG. It was a relatively easy job.
All I had to do was to remove the plastic shielding to access the connectors, and the plastic shielding behind the front wheels to access the sensors, nothing else.