51 71 374 Removing and installing/replacing reinforcement plate on front axle support
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Special Tools Required:
NOTE:
For special tools, refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (M54/E46)
.
- 00 9 120
CAUTION:
Vehicles must not be driven without reinforcement plates. Driving without the reinforcement plate may damage the front axle. Screws of reinforcement plate must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120 (angle-of-rotation measuring disk).
NOTE:
Reinforcement plate is fitted in:
- Coupes from 11/99
- All Convertibles
- All E46 models without 4WD from 12/2000
CAUTION:
From 02/2001, use new 66 mm dia. control arm bearings and a new reinforcement plate. For these larger control arm bearings, there must be an impression (1) on the left/right in the reinforcement plate (2) (risk of damage). For further information, refer to Replacing control arm bracket.
The difference can only be discerned by the removed reinforcement plate.
Only cars up to 02/2001 with:
- Control arm bearing dia. 66 mm
- Old reinforcement plate (2) without impression (1)
Insert a washer in each case at rear screw-down points between reinforcement plate and body.
If necessary, remove front underbody protection.
Unfasten screws (3).
Release screws (1) and (2) and remove reinforcement plate.
CAUTION:
If necessary, insert washers at screw-down points (1) between reinforcement plate and body, refer to Fig 1.
Installation:
Replace screws (1) and (2).
- Install all screws
- Tighten screws (1) and (2) to torque and then 1 rotation,
Tightening torque, refer to 51 71 3AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .
- Tighten down screws (3).