18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (M62, M54)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5, 2002 BMW X5, 2001 BMW X5, and 2000 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Slacken screws (1) of rear muffler on intermediate muffler.

Installation:

Tightening torque, see 18 00 6AZ in EXHAUST SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Removing Screws Of Rear Muffler On Intermediate Muffler

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Clip cover (1) out of retainers (2).

Fig 2: Installing Retainer Cover

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Carefully press cover (1) downwards.

Release screws (2) on rubber mount for rear muffler on left and right.

Fig 3: Releasing Screws On Rubber Mount For Rear Muffler On Left And Right

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Release screws (1) on rubber mount for rear muffler on rear axle carrier on left and right.

NOTE: Rubber mounts are colored differently.

Red (M62) or gray (M54):
for rubber mount of rear muffler on rear axle carrier
Black:
for all other rubber mounts

Fig 4: Releasing Screws On Rubber Mount For Rear Muffler On Rear Axle Carrier On Left And Right
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Mixing up the rubber mounts will alter the vibration response of the exhaust system.

Release screws (1) of rear muffler on intermediate muffler and remove both rear mufflers.

Fig 5: Removing Both Mufflers

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Release screws (1) of rubber mounts for intermediate muffler.

Fig 6: Releasing Screws Of Rubber Mounts For Intermediate Muffler

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M62:

Release plug connection (1) of monitor sensor on left and right.

Clip cable of monitor sensor on left and right out of brackets.

Release screws (3) of rubber mounts on left and right.

Fig 7: Release Plug Connection Of Monitor Sensor On Left And Right And Screws Of Rubber Mounts On Left And Right

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Release plug connection (1) of oxygen sensor on left and right.

Fig 8: Releasing Plug Connection Of Oxygen Sensor On Left And Right

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M54:

Release screws (1) on rubber mounts.

Release screws (2) on holder of transmission.

Fig 9: Releasing Screws On Rubber Mounts And Screws On Holder Of Transmission

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CAUTION: Carry out following work step with a second person.

M62:

Release screw connections of catalytic converters at exhaust manifolds on left and right and remove exhaust system completely.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Coat threads with CRC copper paste.

Fig 10: Releasing Screw Connections Of Catalytic Converters At Exhaust Manifolds And Removing Exhaust System Completely (M62)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

M54:

Release screw connections (1) of catalytic converters at exhaust manifolds on left and right and remove exhaust system completely.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Coat threads with CRC copper paste.

Fig 11: Releasing Screw Connections Of Catalytic Converters At Exhaust Manifolds And Removing Exhaust System Completely (M54)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.