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Home >> BMW >> 2005 >> 330xi Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Body & Frame >> Windows >> Body Equipment - Repair >> Loose Body Parts >> 51 71 374 Removing and installing/replacing reinforcement plate on front axle support

51 71 374 Removing and installing/replacing reinforcement plate on front axle support

Special tools required: 

CAUTION: Vehicles must not be driven without reinforcement plates.
Driving without the reinforcement plate may damage the front axle.
Screws of reinforcement plate must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120 (angle-of-rotation measuring disk).
NOTE: Reinforcement plate is fitted in:
CAUTION: From 02/2001, use new 66 mm dia. control arm bearings and a new reinforcement plate. For these larger control arm bearings, there must be an impression (1) on the left/right in the reinforcement plate (2) (risk of damage).
The difference can only be discerned by the removed reinforcement plate.
Only cars up to 02/2001 with:
  • Control arm bearing dia. 66 mm
  • Old reinforcement plate (2) without impression (1)

Insert a washer* in each case at rear screw-down points between reinforcement plate and body.

* Sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service

Fig 1: Identifying Impression On Left/Right In Reinforcement Plate
G03124742Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, remove front underbody protection.

Unfasten screws (3).

Release screws (1) and (2) and remove reinforcement plate.

CAUTION: If necessary, insert washers at screw-down points (1) between reinforcement plate and body, see Fig 2.

Installation: 

Replace screws (1) and (2).

Fig 2: Removing Reinforcement Plate
G03124743Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.