21 00 006 Bleeding clutch hydraulic system

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

21 5 030 . See CLUTCH - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove transmission underbody protection if necessary.
Remove microfilter housing is necessary.

IMPORTANT: From 8-2006 a plastic clutch slave cylinder is installed in the E8X (Z4, X3), E9X (3-Series).
Important notes on installation are described in this work step.

Unfasten nuts and remove clutch slave cylinder (pressure line remains connected).

Fig 1: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Nuts

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Fit special tool 21 5 030 on clutch slave cylinder (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (21 5 030)

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Press piston rod (2) with aid of spindle completely into clutch slave cylinder.

Connect bleeder unit to brake fluid expansion tank.

IMPORTANT: Check relevant Operating Instructions for each device.
Charging pressure should not exceed 2 bar.

Connect bleeder hose to bleed valve (1).

Hold clutch slave cylinder in illustrated position (refer to figure) with special tool 21 5 030.

Open bleeder valve (1).

If bubble-free brake fluid emerges, retract piston rod (2) of clutch slave cylinder with aid of spindle a little and press in again.

If no air bubbles escape, close bleeder valve (1), otherwise repeat procedure.

Fig 3: Opening Bleeder Valve (1)

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IMPORTANT: Do not under any circumstances remove special tool
21 5 030 from clutch slave cylinder when brake system is pressurized.
Piston with push rod can jump out of clutch slave cylinder.

Switch off bleeder unit or remove from brake fluid expansion tank.

Slowly retract piston rod (2) of clutch slave cylinder (1) with special tool 21 5 030.

Remove special tool 21 5 030 from clutch slave cylinder (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (21 5 030)

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Fit clutch slave cylinder to transmission.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 21 52 5AZ. See CLUTCH - TIGHTENING TORQUE .

Fig 5: Locating Clutch Slave Cylinder Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Correct brake fluid level in expansion tank.