18 12 050 Replacing center silencer (N55)

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Special tools required:

31 2 220

WARNING: Risk of burning!
This repair work may only be carried out on an exhaust system which has cooled down.

Support center silencer with special tool 31 2 220 and a suitable universal lifter.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 4AZ .

Only if auxiliary heating fitted. Release screw (2) on metering pump.

Tightening torque 18 31 5AZ .

Release screws (3) on underbody panelling.

Remove reinforcement plate (4).

Fig 2: Identifying Reinforcement Plate, Underbody Panelling And Metering Pump Screw

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NOTE: If the separation point is not marked by a punch mark in the pipe, determine the separation point by means of the pipe length on the new center silencer.
Carry over separation point to faulty center silencer and mark.
Secure center silencer against falling off.
Cut through exhaust pipes at marked point with a suitable tool.

Fig 3: Identifying Front Intake Pipe Mark Point

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

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 3AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Exhaust System Nut

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Installation note:

Adjust center silencer to fit and connect with clamps.

Center clamps and tighten down.

Tightening torque 18 31 7AZ .

The procedure is identical on both sides.

Move the reinforcement rod from the defective center sound absorber to the new center sound absorber.

Fig 5: Identifying Center Clamps

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NOTE: Check exhaust system for leak tightness.