Are there any tips for installing airbox properly?

[bmwm3s65]

I cant for the life of me get the airbox to seal properly on all 8 gaskets after working on the car. when reinstalling i put a bit of oil on each gasket hoping that would help seat properly, which didnt seam to help. If i tighten each clamp as tight as i expect it should be, the airbox pops out of the gasket and malforms it. The previous owner apparently had the same issue because when i took the airbox the first time since i purchased the car, one of read gaskets was malformed allowing unmetered air into the throttle body. I even purchased new gaskets and the same thing occurs. I spent hours trying to seat it properly and it just doesn't work. it actually took me longer to reinstall the airbox than it did to replace a throttle actuator. Any tips or tricks on getting the airbox to seal properly on all the gaskets? It's driving me crazy.

[amrazM]

Are the braces at the rear on? Try to have a friend push down on the opposite side while you apply pressure.

[bmwm3s65]

Originally Posted by amrazM

Are the braces at the rear on? Try to have a friend push down on the opposite side while you apply pressure.

I am not sure what you mean by braces. all the hardware is on and loose to allow some slack to install the airbox.

[roastbeef]

i uninstalled and reinstalled my plenum without removing the braces or moving the coolant expansion tank. i use a power ratchet and socket extensions, which makes it easier.
you sort of have to put all the clamps lined up and SLIGHTLY snug and aligned before you place the plenum. once everything is lined up. this minimizes the plenum bumping out of the sleeves if you're sticking your fingers under there trying to align everything.

once everything is lined up, make a fist and use the meaty part to kind of pound around straight down rather than push. i think the sudden jerkyness of the pounding might be more conducive to getting the sleeves to seat rather than just pushing down.

thats all the tricks i have...