Removing the screw plug at the cylinder head

WARNING: Hot surfaces.
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

WARNING: Working on 12 V electrical system.
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!

Make sure that there is no charger connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
Detach battery ground lead from battery.
For auxiliary batteries: Detach battery minus cables from all auxiliary batteries.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to battery terminal, the safety battery terminal or the intelligent battery sensor (IBS).
Damaged battery terminals can lead to malfunctions or vehicle electrical system faults.

Detach battery terminal from battery pole. Do not pry off using a tool.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
A hardening time of 24 h must be observed after wetting the screw with the screw locking agent.
During the hardening time, the engine must not be started.
Filling the coolant circuit is only permitted after the hardening time.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The repair solution differs depending on the installed screw plug (different thread pitches).

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Preliminary work

Refer to BRINGING FRONT COMPARTMENT LID IN THE SERVICE POSITION .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEAL FOR THE HOOD REAR .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING ACOUSTIC COVER AT REAR .
Refer to REMOVING SEAL FOR FRONT HOOD .
Refer to IF INSTALLED: PARTIALLY REMOVING THE TOP RIGHT AND LEFT COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE CENTER ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT-END STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING UPPER CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE FAN COWL .
Refer to REMOVING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to REMOVING ENGINE VENTILATION LINE .
Refer to REMOVING CLEAN AIR PIPE .
Refer to REMOVING CHARGE AIR LINE .
Refer to REMOVING THE ADAPTER FOR ENGINE VENTILATION LINE WITH HEATING ELEMENT ON EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER .
Refer to PARTIALLY RELEASING THE HOLDER OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE .
Refer to REMOVING THE OXYGEN SENSOR MONITOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THRUST FIELD .
Refer to REMOVING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY .
Refer to REMOVING THE OIL RETURN LINE FOR THE EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER .
Refer to REMOVING THE CONNECTING SUPPORT FROM THE TUNNEL .
Refer to REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING CATALYTIC CONVERTER .
Refer to DRAINING THE COOLANT FROM THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COOLANT LINE BETWEEN THE COOLANT PUMP AND CYLINDER HEAD .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER .

Screw plug on cylinder head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The repair solution differs depending on the installed screw plug (different thread pitches).

Prepare the commercially available thread arrows (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check
Check the thread pitch (B) with the thread arrows.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Thread pitch = 1.0

Measure
Replace cylinder head.
Check
Check the thread pitch (A) with the thread arrows.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Thread pitch = 1.5

Measure
Carry out the next step.
Release the screw plugs (1) .
Guide out and remove the screw plugs (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.