18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (N52, N52K)

Special tools required: 

• 31 2 220 

See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

Remove tension strut  . See 31 12 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH TENSION STRUTS (FRONT) or 33 32 165 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TENSION STRUT (REAR) .

Support exhaust system with jack and special tool 31 2 220  and secure against falling out.

Fig 1: Supporting Exhaust System With Jack And Special Tool 31 2 220

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Unscrew nuts.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nuts.

Replace seal.

Tightening torque 18 20 1AZ, see 18 20 EXHAUST SYSTEM SUSPENSION .

Fig 2: Locating Self-Locking Nuts

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Release bolt and remove bracket (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 2AZ, see 18 20 EXHAUST SYSTEM SUSPENSION .

Fig 3: Locating Bolt And Bracket

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Unfasten screw connection.

Installation: 

Tightening torque 18 20 3AZ, see 18 20 EXHAUST SYSTEM SUSPENSION .

Fig 4: Locating Nut

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Release screw on right bracket.

Tightening torque 18 20 5AZ, see 18 20 EXHAUST SYSTEM SUSPENSION .

Pull left rear muffler out of rubber mount.

Fig 5: Locating Rubber Mount

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Pull off vacuum hose (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Vacuum Hose

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Release rear muffler (1) from rubber mount.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Muffler

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Release screws and remove reinforcement plate (1).

Lower exhaust system and remove.

Installation: 

Tightening torque 51 61 7AZ, see 51 61 REINFORCEMENT, BODY (CONVERTIBLE) .

Fig 8: Identifying Reinforcement Plate

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Add final details to vehicle.

Installation: 

Check exhaust system for leaks.