54 34 016 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Hydraulic Cylinder For Convertible Top

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 135i, and 2010 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove side trim upper section . Refer to 51 43 012 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE TRIM PANEL UPPER SECTION .
Follow repair instructions for hydraulic system. Refer to 54 34... Repair Instructions For Convertible Top Hydraulic System .

CAUTION:

Hydraulic fluid may emerge from the disconnected lines and the open connections on the hydraulic cylinder.

Protect components and work area with suitable materials (e.g. cloths).

When working on hydraulic system, observe the following:

Hydraulic system must be at zero pressure.
Disconnect supply and return lines as late as possible, with convertible top stowed and in untensioned state.
Shortly before removing lines screw tank on hydraulic control unit open and closed once.

Detach locking clips (1).

Drive bearing pin through.

Feed hydraulic cylinder out of main bearing.

Fig 1: Detaching Locking Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnecting hydraulic lines from cylinder:

If necessary, cut cable ties.

Open retainer (1) at bottom/top on cylinder with screwdriver.

Detach hydraulic lines (2).

IMPORTANT:

Protect joints (lines and cylinder) against dripping fluid, e.g. with a cleaning cloth.

Observe hose markings.

Fig 2: Detaching Hydraulic Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

New hydraulic cylinders are supplied in retracted state.

Check fluid level and top up if necessary. Refer to 54 34... Topping Up/Extracting Fluid, Checking Fluid Level .