Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks
Good idea! But no... lol, no it doesn't. 
There is no debate really. It's BMW's recommendation to replace vs. the years of experience from owners, indys, and even BMW's own mechanics who reuse the bolts. But then again BMW recommends replacing all suspension fasteners anytime their are touched too... nobody does that either (unless a new part is being put in that came with fasteners).  Each owner will have to choose to reuse them... or not. With as often as my plate is removed (3 to 5 times a year) I wouldn't even go for the FCP Euro swap out due to the hassle involved. Cost is only one factor. |
The only reason that has any substance to it that supports replacing these particular bolts is that they are torqued to a level and THEN torqued to an additional percentage (90 degrees or what ever). That means they are being stretched. None of the other bolts on the car that I've run in to that BMW says should be replaced have this requirement. That tells me the bolts are fine to be reused. I always put blue Loctite on them, but I don't replace them. I haven't had to pull my skid plate yet, but given the torque requirements involve "stretching" already torqued bolts, I'll probably replace them when I have to drop the plate. Just my 2 cents.