37 12... Replacing pipes for air springs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. 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 .

Necessary preliminary tasks

Deactivate and empty AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Remove AIR SPRINGS .
Remove RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING .
Remove RIGHT TANK UNDERRIDE PROTECTION .

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"

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:

Seal pipe (2) with adhesive tape.

Thoroughly clean opening in protective gaiter (1).

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

Install new SCREWED CONNECTION .

Fig 1: Identifying Air Spring Protective Gaiter And Pipe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to holder positions and bending radii without fail (see following positions).
Pipes must run parallel and have sufficient clearance to adjoining components!

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

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

Fig 2: Identifying Pipes For Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

Make sure slidable holders are correctly positioned. Adhere to following dimensions without fail.

= 9.5 cm
= 6.5 cm
= 7 cm
= 6.5 cm

Fig 3: Identifying Pipes And Holder Mounting Positions
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

Make sure slidable holders are correctly positioned. Adhere to following dimensions without fail.

Fig 4: Identifying Pipes And Holder Mounting Positions

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E = 6 cm
F = 10 cm
G = 8 cm
H = 10 cm

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

Installation:

Make sure slidable holders are correctly positioned. Adhere to following dimensions without fail.

I = 10 cm
J = 13.5 cm
K = 2.5 cm (stud to holder)

Fig 5: Identifying Pipes And Holder Mounting Positions
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

Make sure slidable holders are correctly positioned. Adhere to following dimensions without fail.

L = 21 cm
M = 25 cm
N = 7 cm (opening to holder)

Fig 6: Identifying Pipes And Holder Mounting Positions
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

Make sure slidable holder is correctly positioned. Adhere to following dimension without fail.

O = 16 cm (edge to holder)

Fig 7: Identifying Pipes And Holder Mounting Positions
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 .

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

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Banjo Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM .