18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (N63 B40/B44 O 1)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW 550i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT, 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive, and 2016 BMW 535i GT xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 220

WARNING: Risk of burning!
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.
Danger of injury!
Removal of the exhaust system must be carried out with the assistance of a second person.

Necessary preliminary tasks

F01, F02 only:
Remove cover of exhaust pipe on left and right.
F07, F12 only:
Remove TRAILING LINKS .
Only F06, F07, F12, F13:
Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Support exhaust system with special tool 31 2 220.

Fig 1: Supporting Exhaust System Using Special Tool 31 2 220

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Picture shows the right side, the procedure for the left side is identical.

Release clamp (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 1AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Clamp

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 1AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts

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If fitted

Release screws (1).

Remove heat shield (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Heat Shield With Screws

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 6AZ .

Only when independent heating is fitted: release screw (2) on metering pump.

Tightening torque 18 20 7AZ .

Release screws (3) on underbody panelling.

Remove reinforcement plate (4).

Fig 5: Identifying Reinforcement Plate And Screws

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Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 4AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Nut

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F06 only

Remove cover (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Cover

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Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Release nut (1) and remove ground strap.

Spray the bolt (2) and rubber mount with lubricant 5.2 .

Release screw (2).

Lower and remove exhaust system with assistance of a second person.

Installation note:

Risk of damage to screw (2) and retaining plate thread.

Fig 8: Identifying Screw And Nut

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Observe screwing sequence.

Firstly apply nut to body at rear.
Then join bolt (2) exactly and secure.
If necessary support rear silencer using a suitable jack.

Tightening torque 18 20 5AZ .

Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 5AZ .

Detach hose (2) on vacuum unit.

Installation note:

Check vacuum hose (2) for damages.

Replace damaged section of vacuum line and protect it with a woven protective hose.

Fig 9: Identifying Vacuum Unit Hose And Nut

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Lower and remove exhaust system with assistance of a second person.

Installation note:

Check rubber mount for damage.

If necessary, replace damaged rubber mounts.

Check exhaust system for leak tightness.