37 12 155 Removing and installing/replacing left or right air spring

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger of injury!

Drain the air spring system before carrying out any work on the air supply system, air pipes and air springs! Danger of injury if this instruction is not complied with!

Risk of damage!

Extreme cleanliness must be ensured at the connection face of the pipes during dismantling and installation. Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air suspension system.

NOTE: Read and comply with notes on air suspension system.

In a warranty case, you must always provide a fault memory printout with the defective component, even where there is no fault entry.

Necessary preliminary work

Deactivate and empty AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Remove REAR WHEEL .

Removal

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to dismantle the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Fig 1: Tilting Lower Section Of Air Spring

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Press air spring (1) upwards and turn through A = 30° in counterclockwise direction.

IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush pipe.

Press air spring (1) together, remove sideways and set down on control arm.

Fig 2: Pressing Air Spring

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Release banjo bolt (1).

Seal pipe (2) and connection of air spring with adhesive tape.

NOTE: Banjo bolt (1) remains on pipe (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Air Spring Seal Pipe Connection And Banjo Bolt

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IMPORTANT: It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Remove protective gaiter (1) from air spring.

Unclip pipe (2) from groove of air spring upper section and remove air spring.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

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If reusing: check protective gaiter (1) for damage.

NOTE: Protective gaiter (1) may be reinstalled in spite of expanded opening (for pipe with banjo nut).

If protective gaiter is damaged: pull pipe (2) with banjo bolt through opening in protective gaiter (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

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Installation

Check air spring for damage, replace if necessary.

Check pipe for damage, replace if necessary.

NOTE: Observe NOTES ON INSTALLING A NEW PIPE .

When replacing air spring:

IMPORTANT: Replace protective gaiter only if damaged.
It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Moisten protective gaiter (1) at pipe opening with water/soapy solution.

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

Fig 6: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe With Banjo Bolt

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IMPORTANT: Replacement only: Remove and dispose of banjo bolt on air spring connection.

Check banjo bolt (1) for dirt contamination, clean if necessary. Then carefully screw in by hand to avoid damaging the plastic thread and with it the air spring.

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

Clip pipe (2) into groove of air spring upper section.

Fig 7: Identifying Air Spring Upper Section Pipe And Banjo Bolt

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Align protective gaiter (1) by way of opening for pipe (2) to upper section of air spring and install.

Fig 8: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

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IMPORTANT: Make sure air line is correctly routed.
Air line (1) must be fed through under the brake line (2).

Fig 9: Identifying Air Line And Brake Line

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IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush pipe.

Insert air spring (1) into locator or frame side member and turn clockwise to the limit position.

Check air spring (1) for correct installation in locator or frame side member; correct if necessary.

Fig 10: Inserting Air Spring Into Frame Side Member

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IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to install the lower section of the air spring (1).

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

NOTE: In so doing, make sure that orientation lug is correctly aligned to groove in wheel carrier.

Fig 11: Identifying Lower Section Of Air Spring

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Check air spring for uniform formation of rolling lobe (1).

If necessary, slide rolling lobe (1) by hand downwards and shape on lower section of air spring (2).

Fig 12: Sliding Rolling Lobe Of Air Spring

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After installation

Activate and fill AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM