Convertible

51 71 374 Removing And Installing/Replacing Reinforcement Plate On Front Axle Support

Special tools required:
- 00 9 120

CAUTION:
- Vehicles must not be driven without reinforcement plates.
- Driving without the reinforcement plate may damage the front axle.
- Screws of reinforcement plate must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120 (angle-of-rotation measuring disk).

NOTE:
Reinforcement plate is fitted in:
- Coupes from 11/99 All Convertibles
- All E46 models without 4WD from 12/2000







CAUTION:
- From 02/2001, use new 66 mm dia. control arm bearings and a new reinforcement plate. For these larger control arm bearings, there must be an impression (1) on the left/right in the reinforcement plate (2) (risk of damage).
For further information, refer to Replacing control arm bracket.

The difference can only be discerned by the removed reinforcement plate.
Only cars up to 02/2001 with:
- Control arm bearing dia. 66 mm
- Old reinforcement plate (2) without impression (1)
Insert a washer* in each case at rear screw-down points between reinforcement plate and body.
* Sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service







If necessary, remove front underbody protection.
Unfasten screws (3).
Release screws (1) and (2) and remove reinforcement plate.

CAUTION: If necessary, insert washers at screw-down points (1) between reinforcement plate and body, refer to Fig. R51 2824.

Installation:
Replace screws (1) and (2).
- Install all screws
- Tighten screws (1) and (2) to torque and then to angle of rotation,

3AZ Reinforcement plat e to front axle support/engine carrier
Note: Replace screws

Note: Jointing torque
59 Nm

Note: Torque angle
90°

- Tighten down screws (3).