23 31 545 Replacing both locking bolts for 6th / reverse gear (I transmission) - transmission removed

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required: 23 4 021, 23 4 023

IMPORTANT: In petrol engines, sealing caps 1 and 2 are located above the circlip. 1=Locking bolt for 6th gear; 2=Locking bolt for reverse gear

Fig 1: Identifying Locking Bolt For 6th And Reverse Gear

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IMPORTANT: In diesel engines, sealing caps 1 and 2 are located below the circlip. 1=Locking bolt for 6th gear; 2=Locking bolt for reverse gear

Fig 2: Identifying Locking Bolt For 6th And Reverse Gear

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For diesel engines: Lever circlip (1) out of housing with a suitable tool. Installation note: Install retaining ring (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Lever Circlip

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Using a suitable tool (1), drive hole into sealing cap (2) and lever out of housing.

IMPORTANT: Bore hole must not be damaged. A burr or a dent can cause the sealing cap to leak.

Installation note: Replacing sealing cap (2).

NOTE: Illustration shows: Sealing cap for reverse gear

Fig 4: Driving Hole Into Sealing Cap Using Suitable Tool

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With petrol engines: Remove circlip (1) and washer (2). In diesel engines, no washer is fitted.

Fig 5: Identifying Circlip And Washer

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Remove compression spring and locking bolt. Important! Compression springs and locking bolts for 6th gear and reverse gear must not be mixed up.

6th gear locking bolt	Reverse gear locking bolt
Curved chamfer	Straight chamfer
Weaker compression spring	Stronger compression spring

NOTE: Graphic shows: Reverse gear locking bolt

Fig 6: Identifying Compression Spring And Locking Bolt

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IMPORTANT: 6th gear locking bolt: Bevel must point in bell housing downwards to reverse gear! Reverse gear locking bolt: Bevel must point in bell housing upwards to 6th gear!

Fig 7: Identifying Reverse Gear Locking Bolt

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With petrol engines: Using special tool 23 4 023, drive locking bolt with compression spring, washer and circlip simultaneously into housing.

For diesel engines: Using special tool 23 4 023, drive locking bolt with compression spring, sealing cap and circlip simultaneously into housing.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to ensure the circlip engages completely.

Fig 8: Driving Locking Bolt With Compression Spring, Sealing Cap And Circlip Into Housing Using Special Tool 23 4 023

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With petrol engines: Drive in sealing cap (1) with special tool 23 4 021.

Fig 9: Installing Sealing Cap Using Special Tool 23 4 021

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