51 71 ... Removing and installing/replacing left or right suspension cross-brace ring

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.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Driving without the suspension cross-brace is not permitted. (Risk of damage to the body).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove suspension cross-brace

NOTE: The operation is described on the left side; proceed in the same way for the right side.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to use the pictured nuts to ensure correct screw-fastening of the dome cross-brace ring!

Fig 1: Identifying Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip protective cap (1) and disconnect plug connection underneath.

Release nuts (2) and remove suspension cross-brace ring (3).

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ , see 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Installation:

Make sure protective cap (1) is correctly seated.

Replace nuts (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Protective Cap And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.