Basic gauge

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Basic Gauge And Special Tool 00 9 251

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Use only special tool 00 9 251 to screw the gauge into position.
Remove butyl strip in side panel in area of basic gauge and clean with Isohexane.
Grind off protruding soldered seams.
Re-establish corrosion protection.

Carefully position special tool 54 0 121 (cross beam) on side panel.

Connect special tool 54 0 122 (extension arm for X-axis clearance) to cross beam and left cowl panel base plate.

IMPORTANT: Insert guide pin of extension arm 54 0 122 in extreme left hole of base plate.

Connect special tool 54 0 123 (right extension arm) to cross beam and extension arm 54 0 122.

Observe tightening sequence:

Tighten down rear screws on basic gauge to 2 Nm.
Tighten down screw to connect extension arms to 2 Nm.

Check basic gauge for contact at all four contact points.

NOTE: On account of the body tolerances there may be on one side a gap dimension between extension arm and body.
Do not exert any pressure on the extension arms.

Fig 2: Locating Basic Gauge Four Contact Points

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Identifying Body Tolerances On One Side Gap Dimension Between Extension Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adjustment work should be carried out by one person only.

Adjust knurled screws without exerting force.

Centre basic gauge with knurled screw to body.

Set identical value on scale on both sides (this value may differ from vehicle to vehicle because of the body tolerances).

Signs (+ or -) must be identical on both sides.

Basic gauge must rest without play on inner side panel.