18 12 575 Replacing center muffler (M54)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, 2004 BMW 325xi, and 2004 BMW 325i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Exhaust System Removed

WARNING: Scalding hazard! Only perform these tasks after exhaust system has cooled down.

NOTE: For the following work steps, some illustrations of the exhaust system of another BMW car are used.

Carry over length of new center muffler to old center muffler and mark cutting points.

Fig 1: Marking Points On Mufflers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut through exhaust pipes between front and center mufflers and between center and rear mufflers at marked points and deburr.

Attach connecting plate from old to new center muffler.

Connect new center muffler with rear and front mufflers by means of clamping sleeves.

Fig 2: Installing Clamping Sleeves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Nuts point downwards.

Align clamping sleeves so that:

Cutting point is in middle of clamping sleeve.
There is sufficient spacing to adjoining components.
Mount vibration damper on new center muffler.