Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBMW2001330I AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1637 (EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR)EXHAUST SYSTEM, COMPLETE18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N63)

2001 BMW 330i Automatic

18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (N63)

2001 BMW 330i AutomaticSECTION 18 00 020 Removing and installing complete exhaust system (N63)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 220

WARNING: Risk of burning!
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.
Danger of injury!
Removal of the exhaust system must be carried out with the assistance of a second person.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove TRAILING LINKS .
Remove rear UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Support exhaust system with special tool 31 2 220.

Fig 1: Supporting Exhaust System Using Special Tool (31 2 220)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 18 31 1AZ.

Fig 2: Identifying Exhaust System Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 1AZ.

Fig 3: Identifying Silencer Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove heat shield (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Heat Shield And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 6AZ.

Only when independent heating is fitted: release screw (2) on metering pump.

Tightening torque 18 20 7AZ.

Release screws (3) on underbody panelling.

Remove reinforcement plate (4).

Fig 5: Identifying Reinforcement Plate, Metering Pump And Underbody Panel Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 4AZ.

Fig 6: Identifying Exhaust System Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 5AZ.

Fig 7: Identifying Silencer Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 18 20 5AZ.

Detach hose (2) on vacuum unit.

Installation note:

Check vacuum hose (2) for damages.

Replace damaged section of vacuum line and protect it with a woven protective hose.

Fig 8: Identifying Vacuum Unit Hose And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation note:

Check rubber mount for damage.

If necessary, replace damaged rubber mounts.

Check exhaust system for leak tightness.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.