23 00 018 Removing and installing transmission (GS6-53BZ) (N54)

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: To prevent heavy damage to the engine block, the protruding thread of the transmission bolts absolutely must be checked for damage and corrosion before removal .
If there are signs of corrosion, the rust must be removed and the threads must be cleaned before removal .
Replace rusted, damaged screws.

Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the engine block and transmission.

IMPORTANT: After completion of work, check TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL .
Use only the approved transmission oil. See MANUAL TRANSMISSION -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the manual gearbox.

IMPORTANT: For vehicles with N54/N55 engine up to production date 09/2012, aluminum bolts for the for the securing of the transmission are also installed.
As of production date 09/2012, only steel bolts are installed for the securing of the transmission.

NOTE: Aluminum screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released .
Aluminum screws/bolts are permitted with and without color coding (blue).
For reliable identification:
Aluminum screws/bolts are not magnetic .
Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage) .
The aluminum bolts can be optionally replaced by steel bolts.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Clamp off battery . See 12 00... NOTES FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY or 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY EARTH LEAD
Remove FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION
Remove REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION
Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM
Remove heat shields
Support engine with jack when removing gearbox

Remove holder (1-3).

Fig 1: Identifying Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Disconnect connector (2).

Steel screws, tightening torque: 23 00 1AZ .

Aluminum screws, tightening torque: 23 00 2AZ .

Release aluminum screws with special tool 00 9 010 .

Fig 2: Identifying Connector And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Holder And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock connector (1) from reversing light switch and detach.

Release cable from brackets.

Fig 4: Identifying Reversing Light Switch Connector

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove exhaust bracket (2).

Tightening torque: 23 9 4AZ .

NOTE: Graphic similar

Fig 5: Identifying Exhaust Bracket And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Supporting transmission

Support transmission with special tools 23 4 050 and 00 2 030 .

Secure transmission to mounting with tensioning strap (1).

Tasks are described in Gearbox holder. See 23... UNIVERSAL BMW TRANSMISSION TAKE-UP .

After completion of work, check transmission fluid level.

Fig 6: Identifying Tensioning Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (1) and nuts (2) and remove cross-member.

Tightening torque: 23 9 2AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Cross-Member Bolts And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

REMOVE propeller shaft from transmission.
Release center mount.
Note:
Bending the propeller shaft by an excessive angle can cause premature damage to the joint/propeller shaft!
Tie up propeller shaft to underbody.

NOTE: Pressure line of clutch slave cylinder remains connected.

IMPORTANT: Relieve tension on clutch slave cylinder slowly; otherwise air will be drawn in through sealing cup.

Release nuts and remove clutch slave cylinder.

Tightening torque: 21 52 5AZ .

Fig 8: Locating Pressure Line Of Clutch Slave Cylinder Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out retainer (1).

Disengage gearshift rod (2).

Installation note:

Grease gearshift rod.

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids. See MANUAL TRANSMISSION -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Make sure shims (3) are in correct position.

Fig 9: Detaching Gearshift Rod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock bearing journal (1) in direction of arrow and remove.

Lift out gearshift arm.

Installation note:

Grease bearing journals (1).

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids. See MANUAL TRANSMISSION -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 10: Removing Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws.

In vehicles with an N54/N55 engine from production date 09/2012, only steel bolts are installed.

Steel screws, tightening torque: 23 00 1AZ .

Aluminum screws/bolts (3, 4, 5, 9, 10), tightening torque: 23 00 2AZ .

IMPORTANT: Do not suspend the transmission from the transmission input shaft during removal and installation as this will deform the clutch disc. Pull out transmission towards rear and remove.

Fig 11: Transmission Housing Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Tighten down screws/bolts to specified torque.

Special angle-of-rotation tool 00 9 120 with magnet 00 9 130 .

Secure to vehicle underbody and screw down aluminum screws/bolts in accordance with angle of rotation.

Angle of rotation 23 00 2AZ .

Fig 12: Tightening Transmission Screws/Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Check that fitting sleeves are correctly fitted.

Replace damaged fitting sleeves.

Ensure correct position of cover plate.

Fig 13: Identifying Fitting Sleeves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Check lubrication of transmission drive shaft for sticky consistency. If grease is sticky, clean transmission input shaft and REPLACE CLUTCH DISC .

Check clutch disc for friction rust in gearing and REPLACE if necessary.

Mechanically remove existing grease and lining abrasion from gearings of clutch disc (with a cloth).

Fig 14: Checking Clutch Disc For Friction Rust In Gearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Greasing specification:

Remove and clean RELEASE BEARING AND RELEASE LEVER .
Push on grease scraper ring 21 2 240 to the limit position.
Grease gearing (1) of input shaft with a brush. See MANUAL TRANSMISSION -- OPERATING FLUIDS .
Detach grease scraper ring.

Fig 15: Removing Grease Gearing
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.