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

NOTE: (gearbox removed)

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: Sliding Surface And Correct Cam

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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: Checking Cam Bearing

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Graphic similar.

Fig 3: Spring Wire Module Clip

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Installation note:

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

NOTE: Graphic similar.

Installation note:

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

Do not grease clutch release bearing.

Fig 4: Wire Spring Clip And Ball Pin

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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: Sliding Surface And Correct Cam

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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: Checking Cam Bearing

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 3: Spring Wire Module Clip

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Installation note:

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

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 4: Wire Spring 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.

Grease, refer to CLUTCH -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 5: Release Bearing And Sliding Surfaces

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NOTE: Graphic similar

IMPORTANT: Only on E60/E61M5 and E63/E64 M6 (7-gear 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: Thrust Washer

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

Installation note

Clean release lever.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 7: Releasing Lever From Wire Spring 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.

Grease, refer to CLUTCH -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 8: Sliding Surfaces

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Installation note

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).

Grease, refer to CLUTCH -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

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

Fig 9: Wire Spring Clip And Ball Pin

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Clean guide sleeve (7).

Installation note:

Except for E60/61 M5 and E63/64 M6 (7-gear 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: Guide Sleeve

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