Is it possible with some odd tool set to get the three bolts that hold the friction wheel in place without taking off the radiator core support (and all of the associated stuff that goes with it?) Mine is starting to squeal and I'd rather not tear all that off if I don't have to.

thx

 

Pretty sure you can get the friction wheel assembly out through the wheel well...

 

Don't know if there are differences between an R55 and an R56, but I was unable to reach (and re-thread) the top screw of the friction wheel assembly without lowering the engine.

Here is the thread I started with the same question as yours. In it, another user reported success without lowering the engine (and being much faster overall than I was). I also mentioned the "special tools" BMW lists in its repair instructions.

I'd recommend removing the crank and water pump pulleys first, to make some more space for the friction wheel to wiggle out. The water pump pulley does not need to come out completely: once released, it can be swiveled away to the back side of the engine.

Regarding the squeal of the friction wheel pulley's bearing: the new one I installed (made by DAYCO like the one fitted at the factory) is not completely silent either. I did not notice a difference in how "freely" (right word?) either one of them turned by hand.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-engine.html