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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 approved transmission oil.

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

IMPORTANT: For vehicles with N54/N55 engine up to production date 09/2012, aluminium 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: Aluminium screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released .

Aluminium screws/bolts are permitted with and without colour coding (blue).

For reliable identification:

Aluminium screws/bolts are not magnetic .

Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage ).

The aluminium bolts can be optionally replaced by steel bolts.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

CLAMP OFF BATTERY
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).

Fig 1: Identifying Holder

Release screws (1).

Disconnect connector (2).

Steel screws, tightening torque 23 00 1AZ .

Aluminium screws, tightening torque 23 00 2AZ .

Release aluminium screws with special tool 00 9 010 .

Fig 2: Identifying Connector

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Holder Screws

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

Release cable from brackets.

Fig 4: Identifying Reversing Light Switch Connector

Release screws (1).

Remove exhaust bracket (2).

Tightening torque 23 71 4AZ .

NOTE: Graphic similar

Fig 5: Identifying Exhaust Bracket With Screws

Supporting transmission:

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

Secure transmission to mounting with tensioning strap (1).

Tasks are described in GEARBOX HOLDER .

After completion of work, check transmission fluid level.

Fig 6: Supporting Transmission With Special Tools (23 4 050) And (00 2 030)

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

Tightening torque 23 71 2AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Cross-Member Bolts And Nuts

REMOVE propeller shaft from transmission.
Release centre 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.
Support engine with lifter when removing transmission.

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.

Fig 8: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Nuts

Release nuts and remove clutch slave cylinder.

Tightening torque 21 52 5AZ .

Lever out retainer (1).

Disengage gearshift rod (2).

Installation note:

Grease gearshift rod.

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids.

Make sure shims (3) are in correct position.

Fig 9: Disengaging Gearshift Rod

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.

Fig 10: Removing Bearing Journal

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 .

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

Fig 11: Transmission Housing Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence

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.

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 aluminium screws/bolts in accordance with angle of rotation.

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120) And Magnet (00 9 130)

Angle of rotation 23 00 2AZ .

Installation note:

Check that fitting sleeves are correctly fitted.

Replace damaged fitting sleeves.

Ensure correct position of cover plate.

Fig 13: Identifying Dowel Sleeves

Installation note:

Check lubrication of transmission input 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: Locating Transmission Input Shaft

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. refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids.
Detach grease scraper ring.

Fig 15: Identifying Grease Scraper Ring (21 2 240) And Splines