37 12 ... Replacing Pipes For Air Springs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk 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!
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. See 37 00 ... Notes on Air Spring System

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Deactivate and empty air spring system. See 37 00 100 Draining/filling Air Spring System
Remove air springs. See 37 12 155 Removing and Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Air Spring
Remove right underbody panelling. See 51 47 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING
Remove right tank underride protection. See 51 47 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING

IMPORTANT: It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Cut through pipe (2) and pull out of protective gaiter (1).

Installation:

Moisten protective gaiter (1) at pipe opening with water/soapy solution.

Insert pipe (2) through opening in protective gaiter (1).

Install new screwed connection. See 37 13 ... Notes on Fitting A New Pipe Or A Screw Connection

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

G04794840

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush new pipes.

To avoid leaks in the air spring system, it is essential to avoid scratches on pipes in particular in the connection area!

Line, air spring, left: "Red"

Line, air spring, right: "Blue"

Unclip pipes (1) up to air supply unit from holders.

NOTE: Picture serves to show the routing of the pipes.

Fig 2: Identifying Pipes

G04794841

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip pipes (1) up to air supply unit from holders.

NOTE: Picture serves to show the routing of the pipes.

Fig 3: Identifying Pipes

G04794842

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Position pipes (1) so that holder (2) is between pipe markings.

The holder variant does not play any role here.

Fig 4: Identifying Pipes And Holder

G04794843

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release banjo bolts (1, 2).

Seal air supply unit connections with adhesive tape.

Installation:

Install new screwed connections. See 37 13 ... Notes on Fitting A New Pipe Or A Screw Connection

Carefully screw in banjo bolts by hand to avoid damaging the plastic threads and with it the air supply unit.

Tightening torque, see 37 12 1AZ in 37 12 CONTROL AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, REAR

Fig 5: Identifying Banjo Bolts

G04794844

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system. See 37 00 100 Draining/filling Air Spring System