Removing and Installing/Replacing Pipes
Removing and Installing/Replacing PipesCaution:
The system must be fully Repressurized any components are replaced.
Drive car onto lifting platform and raise car.
Lower front and rear axles with BMW diagnostic system in EHC2 program under menu item "Component activation". Carry out each activation 6 times.
After the repairs have been completed, the pneumatic suspension system of the car on the lifting platform must be refilled with air with the diagnostic program (Component activation, raise front and rear axles).
Carry out each activation 6 times.
After this basic filling, lower car from lifting platform, then adjust ride levels in accordance with TIS with diagnostic program and carry out ride level offset.
In area of line connections, extreme cleanliness must be ensured during all tasks!
Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the system.
Execute all screw connections in plastic threads with care as threads can very easily be damaged.
Do not kink pipes!
The car must not be set on its wheels with pressureless air spring struts.
The air spring struts can be damaged and destroyed during driving!
A vehicle with a faulty air spring strut is no longer roadworthy!
Removing and installing/replacing pipe pack of air supply unit and additional volume on left/right to valve block:
Remove luggage compartment floor panel and spare wheel.
Remove connector together with pipe coupling from welded bracket on wheel arch at rear right.
Remove side trim panel at rear right and left.
Release screw connection (1) on plug-in coupling of air reservoir on left and right.
Press plug-in coupling (2) downwards.
Press together snap ring (3) and pull off plug-in coupling.
Remove pipe.
Release pipe pack following its progression (arrows).
Open pipe coupling (1) by hand.
Remove inner wing panel.
Release pipe following its progression (arrows).
Release screws of underfloor panel (2) on right side of car.
Release screws under sill cover on right (1).
Unscrewing pipes on valve block:
1 = Black pipe from air supply unit
2 = Black pipe (air spring strut, rear left)
3 = Yellow pipe (air spring strut, rear right)
Installation:
During assembly, pay attention to yellow color marking for yellow pipe on valve block.
Do not kink new pipes when laying!
Removing and installing/replacing pipes from valve block to air spring struts on left and right:
Yellow pipe: right air spring strut
Black pipe: left air spring strut
Release pipes on valve block.
Remove inner wing panel.
Note:
If there is no centering pin (1) fitted, only one nut may be released first.
Position of threaded pin to wheel arch must be marked. This ensures that the original camber is retained on installation.
Release nuts of spring strut support bearing/wheel arch connection.
Press air spring strut downwards until threaded pins are free.
Release pipe following its progression (arrows) and press air spring strut into appropriate position in order to facilitate access to pipe connection.
Release pipe connection (1).
Left air spring strut:
Proceed in same way as for right side.
Also remove: windshield wipers and panel underneath windshield.
Release pipe following its progression (arrows).
Release pipe following its progression (arrows) and press air spring strut into appropriate position in order to facilitate access to pipe connection.
Release pipe connection (1).
Removing and installing/replacing pipe (1) (black) between valve block and accumulator unit:
Warning:
Reduce pressure in accumulator unit before detaching pipe between valve block and accumulator unit.
If the pressure is not reduced, there will be a risk of injury after the pipe and/or the pressure sensor has been detached posed by the sudden escape of air!
Pressure reduction: Undo screw connection at pipe connections on valve block or accumulator unit (arrows) until sound of escaping air can be heard. With screw connection undone, wait approx. 2 mins. until pressure has been completely reduced (hissing sound ceases).
After reducing pressure, release both pipe connections and remove pipe.