2.0 FSI Upper Manifold Removal – HOW?!

[benweston]

Got some PCV hoses and an oil filter/cooler housing to replace which I need to remove the plastic upper inlet manifold to do. On every other car I've worked on, this has been a fairly simple task but this looks like a right pig – I can't work out how I can remove it without taking the whole front bumper off and removing the radiator?! I've downloaded the Haynes manual which is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Am I missing something? I don't want to have to pay a VAG independent to do something that should be fairly simple but is this beyond possibility doing it on my driveway?!