18 12 045 Replacing center silencer (B48, B46)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of burning !
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.

WARNING: Danger of injury !
Call on the assistance of a second person to remove the center silencer.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Use a suitable jack to support and secure the center silencer against falling.

Fig 1: Locating Cover Screws

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Removal:

Loosen screws.

Remove cover (1).

Fig 2: Separation Point Mark On Pipe

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NOTE: If the separation point is not marked by a punch mark in the pipe, determine the separation point by means of the pipe length on the new center silencer.
Carry over separation point to faulty center silencer and mark.
Secure center silencer against falling off.
Cut through exhaust pipes at marked point with a suitable tool.

Fig 3: Connection Carrier Screws

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F56 only:

Loosen screws (1).

Remove connection carrier.

Fig 4: Front Or Rear Connection Carrier And Screws

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F55 only:

Loosen screws (1).

Remove front connection carrier (2).

Loosen screws (3).

Remove rear connection carrier (4).

Release clamp (1).

Replace clamp (1).

Parts: Clamp.

Lower and remove center silencer with assistance of a second person.

Fig 5: Complete Exhaust System Clamp

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Installation:

Install new center silencer.

Tighten clamp (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 1AZ .

Fig 6: Tightening Rubber Mount Clamp

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Adjust new center silencer and connect by clamp to rear silencer.

Center clamp and tighten down.

Tightening torque 18 20 3AZ .

Fig 7: Rear Silencer Clamp

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F56 only:

Install connection carrier.

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 30 4AZ .

Fig 8: Connection Carrier Screws

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F55 only:

Install front connection carrier (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 30 7AZ .

Install rear connection carrier (4).

Tighten down screws (3).

Tightening torque 18 30 4AZ .

Fig 9: Front Or Rear Connection Carrier And Screws

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Position cover (1).

Tighten the screws.

Fig 10: Locating Cover Screws

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Required follow-up work:

Check exhaust system for leak tightness.