37 12 161 Removing and installing / replacing left or right air reservoir

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, and 2004 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger of injury! Drain the air spring system before carrying out any work on the air supply unit, air pipes and air springs! Danger of injury if this instruction is not complied with!
Risk of damage! The vehicle must not stand on its wheels when the air spring struts and air springs are depressurized! Otherwise the air spring struts and air springs will be damaged and later destroyed during driving!
Extreme cleanliness must be ensured in the connection area of the pipes during removal and installation. Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system.

NOTE: Read and comply with notes on air spring system. Refer to 37 00 ... NOTES ON AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Deactivating air spring system:
- Raise vehicle on lifting platform
- Remove ignition key
- Pull fuse for control unit
Remove luggage compartment floor trim panel, refer to 51 47 101 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR TRIM PANEL

Remove support for side member at rear (1). Refer to Figure.

Remove support for side member at front (2).

NOTE: Wait approx. 2 minutes until the pressure in the pressure accumulator has been completely reduced (hissing sound ceases).

Carefully slacken banjo bolt until the sound of escaping air can be heard. Refer to Figure.

Installation:

Check banjo bolt for dirt, clean if necessary.

Tightening torque 37 12 3AZ. Refer to INTEGRATED SUSPENSION SYSTEMS - TIGHTENING TORQUES X5 (4.4i) N62 .

Release banjo bolt and remove pipe.

Remove protective cap.

Press quick coupling (1) downwards, press retaining ring (2) together and detach pipe.

Fig 1: Removing Quick Coupling

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Keep sealing rings (1, 2) free of grease. Make sure sealing rings (1, 2) are correctly seated.

Fig 2: Checking Correct Seating Of Sealing Rings

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nuts (1). Remove air reservoir (2) with pipe.

Fig 3: Removing Air Reservoir

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system, refer to 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM (RIDE-HEIGHT CONTROL) or 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM (TWIN-AXLE RIDE-HEIGHT CONTROL)