37 12... Replacing pipes for air springs

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: 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.

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!

Necessary preliminary tasks

Deactivate air spring system
- Raise vehicle on lifting platform.
- Pull out fuse for air supply unit in luggage compartment at rear right
Remove REAR WHEEL .

Release nuts and screws.

Remove trim (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Trim

G08475941

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Draining air spring system:

Carefully slacken screw connections of pipe (1) and (2) 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 .

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections And Lines

G06890294

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove AIR SPRING and disconnect pipe (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Air Spring Pipe

G04794849

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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 4: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Seal Pipe

G04794840

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Observe holder position and bending radii without fail.
Pipes must run parallel and have sufficient clearance to adjoining components!

Fig 5: Locating Air Supply System Pipe Holder

G08475945

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pipe routing, left (red pipe)

Pipe routing, right (blue pipe).

Disconnect pipes from air supply system (1).

Seal connections of air supply system and air spring strut with adhesive tape.

Unclip pipe from holder (see arrows) and remove.

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 .

After installation

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM .