37 12... Replacing pipes for air springs: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi and 2010 BMW 750xi. 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Pull out fuse for air supply unit in luggage compartment at rear right
Remove rear left and right WHEEL ARCH COVERS
Remove rear BUMPER TRIM

Draining air spring system:

Carefully slacken screw connection of pipe (1) until the sound of escaping air can be heard.

NOTE: Wait approx. 2 minutes until the pressure on the left and/or right sides has decreased completely (hissing stops)

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

Installation:

Install new SCREWED CONNECTION .

Fig 1: Identifying Air Spring Strut With Banjo Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing panel from air supply unit on underbody at rear:

Unscrew nuts (1).

Release screws (2).

Lever out expander rivets (3) and remove panel (4) from air supply unit.

Fig 2: Identifying Air Supply Panel With Nuts, Screws And Rivets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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"

Pipes must have sufficient clearance to adjoining components!

Fig 3: Identifying Air Supply Unit And Air Spring Strut With Pipe Holders (Red Pipe)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pipe routing, left (red pipe)

Detach pipe from air supply unit (1) and air spring strut (2).

Then seal air supply unit and air spring strut with adhesive tape.

Unclip pipe from holder (see arrows in illustration).

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 4: Identifying Air Supply Unit And Air Spring Strut With Pipe Holders (Blue Pipe)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pipe routing, right (blue pipe).

Detach pipe from air supply unit (1) and air spring strut (2).

Then seal air supply unit and air spring strut with adhesive tape.

Unclip pipe from holder (see arrows in illustration).

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 .