51 71 390 Removing and installing/replacing reinforcement plate on rear axle

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IMPORTANT: Vehicles must not be driven without reinforcement plates.
Driving without the reinforcement plate may damage the vehicle body.
Screws of reinforcement plate must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120 .

Release screws (1) and remove heat shield (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield With Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 71 24AZ .

Unscrew nuts (2).

Tightening torque 51 71 25AZ .

Unscrew nuts (3).

Tightening torque 51 71 26AZ .

Remove thrust panel (reinforcement plate) (4).

Installation:

Replace screw (1).

Tighten down screws (1) to specified torque and then to angle of rotation.

Fig 2: Identifying Thrust Panel (Reinforcement Plate) With Screws And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.