21 51 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch Release Bearing/Lever

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: (Transmission Removed)

New version (except M models)

Release bearing and release lever have been combined to form a single release module.

If possible, do not disassemble the release module. Otherwise there is a risk of the release module being incorrectly reassembled.

Installation:

Make sure that the correct cam (1) of the release bearing is on the sliding surface (2) of the release lever.

The positioning in relation to each other is identified by white dots on the cam (1) and the sliding surface (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Cam And Sliding Surface

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NOTE: Do not grease sliding surfaces (2).

Fig. A: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=12 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever.

This version is for 4-cylinder gasoline engines.

Fig. B: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=7 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever.

This version is for 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

Fig 2: Identifying Cam Dimension

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 3: Identifying Module

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Installation:

Check spring wire clip (5) and ball pin (6) for damage and replace if necessary.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Previous version

Detach release bearing (1).

Fig 5: Detaching Release Bearing

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Installation:

Clean all sliding surfaces on clutch release bearing, check for damage and replace if necessary.

Do not grease clutch release bearing.

Sliding surfaces (2) of clutch release bearing must rest on sliding surfaces (3) of release lever.

Apply a thin coating of grease to sliding surfaces (2) of release bearing.

NOTE: Illustration similar

IMPORTANT: Only on E60/E61 M5 and E63/E64 M6 (7-speed SMG transmission) - lightly grease guide sleeve .

Previous clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing with moving thrust plate (1).

Swivel motion of thrust plate (1) possible.

Fig 6: Identifying Clutch Release Bearing With Moving Thrust Plate

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Withdraw release lever (4) from spring wire clip (5) and remove.

Installation:

Clean release lever.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 7: Removing Spring Wire Clip

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Previous release lever

Installation:

Apply a thin coating of grease to release lever at sliding surfaces (1 and 2) only.

Fig 8: Identifying Grease Applying Area

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Installation:

Check spring wire clip (5) and ball pin (6) for damage and replace if necessary.

Apply a thin coating of grease to ball pin (6).

NOTE: The spring wire clip and ball pin must always be replaced on the S6S 420G transmission.
Illustration similar.

Fig 9: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Clean guide sleeve (7).

Installation:

Except for E60/61 M5 and E63/64 M6 (7-speed SMG transmission) - do not grease guide sleeve.

If guide sleeve is greased, the release lever can stick on the guide sleeve.

Fig 10: Identifying Guide Sleeve

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NOTE: Illustration similar.