18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (N16, N18)

WARNING: Danger of burning and other injuries.
This repair work may only be carried out on an exhaust system which has cooled down.
Removal of the exhaust system must be carried out with the assistance of a second person.

Support exhaust system (1) with a suitable jack (2).

Secure exhaust system against falling off.

Fig 1: Supporting Exhaust System With Suitable Jack

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Unfasten clamp.

Tightening torque 18 31 5AZ .

Fig 2: Locating Exhaust System Clamp

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 7AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Exhaust System Nuts

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 9AZ .

Remove reinforcement plate (2) and reinforcement strut (3).

NOTE: Loosen nuts (4) only if replacing exhaust system.

Tightening torque 18 31 8AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Reinforcement Plate, Reinforcement Strut, Screws And Nuts

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Vehicles with four-wheel drive only:

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 31 4AZ .

Remove stiffening strut (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Stiffening Strut And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 10AZ .

Remove reinforcement plate (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Reinforcement Plate And Screws

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 18 31 11AZ .

N18 only:

Release nuts (1) on rear silencer on left and right.

Tightening torque 18 31 11AZ .

Lower and remove exhaust system with assistance of a second person.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Silencer Nuts

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NOTE: Check rubber mount for damage. Replaced damaged rubber mounts.