Removal and installation of the exhaust system (BMW 3 Series E46)

Exhaust system of models 316i, 318i

Exhaust system of models 320i, 323i, 328i

Exhaust system of 320d models

Removal

The operation of lifting and installing the vehicle on stands is associated with danger! Therefore, before carrying out the operation, read the Section Jacking and towing

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the lower engine compartment cover, refer to Section Removal and installation the lower engine compartment cover.

2. Spray all exhaust system bolt connections with rust dissolving agent. Wait for some time until the rust dissolves.



3. Models 316i, 318i: Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the inlet pipe from the exhaust manifold flange "1".



4. Models 320i, 323i, 328i: Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the intake pipe from the exhaust manifold flange (arrows in the illustration).



5 Models 320d: Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the inlet pipe from the turbocharger flange.



6. Disconnect the muffler from the manual transmission holder by unscrewing the mounting bolts "1".

Bolts "2" are unscrewed when installing the exhaust system in order to adjust the system without overtightening.

7. Models 316i, 318i: Disconnect connector "3" of oxygen sensor "4" in the inlet pipe.

The second oxygen sensor is located in the downpipe behind the catalytic converter. Disconnect the second oxygen sensor connector.

8. Place a garage lift with a wooden spacer under the exhaust system. The system weighs about 30 kg.



9. Unscrew the bolts securing the crossmember to the bottom (arrows in the illustration).





10. Disconnect both additional muffler holders from the bottom (arrows in the illustration).

11. Lower the exhaust system and remove it.

The catalytic converter is sensitive to impact. Handle it with care, do not allow it to be hit or dropped.

Installation

When installing exhaust system components, be careful not to crush the pipes. Otherwise, incorrect results may be obtained during exhaust gas analysis.

Bolts, fastening nuts and seals must be replaced with new ones. Rubber holders should also be replaced with new ones if they have pores or deformations.

1. It is recommended to lubricate the threads of the mounting bolts with high-temperature copper grease, such as Liqui Moly LM-508-ASC. This will facilitate disassembly during repair.

2. If the mufflers are not being replaced, the sealing surfaces should be cleaned with sandpaper to remove any remaining combustion products and gaskets before assembly.

3. Adjust the exhaust system so that there is at least a 25 mm gap in relation to the bottom of the car everywhere. In addition, the end of the pipe should have a uniform gap in relation to the contour of the rear part of the body.



4. Install the crossmember, tighten the mounting bolts to a torque of 20 Nm.

5. Diesel engine: Fasten the intake pipe to the turbocharger with a torque of 30 Nm. Pre-check the sealing ring, replace it if necessary. Lubricate the ring with high-temperature grease.

6. Petrol engine: Install the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold with a new seal and tighten evenly with nuts to a torque of 30 N·m.



7. Unscrew bolts "2" securing the muffler to the manual transmission. Tighten the bolts only after installing all other fastening elements to avoid deformation.

8. Tighten all mounting bolts and nuts to the torques specified in the Specifications.

9. Models 316i, 318i: Connect the oxygen sensor plug connections and route the cable.

10. Check the tightness of the exhaust system, refer to the relevant section.

11. Install the lower engine compartment cover, refer to Section Removal and installation the lower engine compartment cover.

This article is based on information from the website BMWMAN.ru