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 330Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, 2005 BMW 330Ci, and 2004 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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).
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.

^* Sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service

Fig 1: Identifying Impression On Left/Right In Reinforcement Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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, see Fig 2.

Installation:

Replace screws (1) and (2).

Fig 2: Removing Reinforcement Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install all screws
Tighten screws (1) and (2) to torque and then to angle of rotation, tightening torque. Refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Tighten down screws (3).