21 51 500 Removing and installing or replacing clutch release bearing/lever

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M6, 2009 BMW M6, 2008 BMW M6, 2007 BMW M6, and 2006 BMW M6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: (gearbox 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 note:

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

NOTE: Do not grease sliding surfaces (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Cam On Sliding Surface

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

Type: N43, N45, N46

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

Version for all other engines

Fig 2: Identifying Dimensions Of Cams On Release Bearing

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 3: Removing Release Module From Spring Wire Clip

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Installation note:

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

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Previous version

Detach release bearing (1).

Installation note:

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. Refer to CLUTCH COMPONENT GREASE .

Fig 5: Removing Release Bearing

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NOTE: Graphic similar

IMPORTANT: Only on E60/E61M5 M5 and E63/E64 M6 (7-speed SMG transmission) - lightly grease guide sleeve.

Previous clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing with moving thrust washer (1).

Swivel motion of thrust washer (1) possible.

Fig 6: Moving Thrust Plate

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

Installation note:

Clean release lever.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 7: Removing Release Lever From Spring Wire Clip

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Previous release lever

Installation note:

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

Fig 8: Identifying Grease Applying Area Of Release Lever

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Installation note:

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

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

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

Fig 9: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Clean guide sleeve (7).

Installation note:

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.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 10: Identifying Guide Sleeve

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