51 23 400 Removing and installing/replacing left or right actuator (active pedestrian protection, not deployed), vehicles up to 09/2011

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Adhere to the following SAFETY INFORMATION so as to avoid a danger of injury by the actuator.
The BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD must be clamped off prior to work on the actuator or engine compartment lid!
Do not exert any force on the actuator.
Incorrect handling may result in triggering of the actuator and thereby cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT: After the actuator has been installed, retaining screws (1) must be removed!
The retaining screws are required as aids to fitting the actuator.
If the retaining screws are not removed after the actuator has been installed, active pedestrian protection will not function.

Fig 1: Identifying Actuator Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Actuator procedure not activated:

Necessary preliminary work:

Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD

NOTE: When the actuators have not activated, the front flap and gas pressure springs do not have to be removed.

Removing actuator

Remove protective caps and screw in and tighten retaining screws M8 (1).

Remove resetter (2).

NOTE: The retaining screws are required as aids to fitting the actuator.

After the actuator has been installed, retaining screws must be removed again!

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Screws And Resetter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and slowly raise actuator (2) until connector on underside of actuator is accessible.

Fig 3: Identifying Actuator Screws

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Pull lock (1) in direction of arrow.

Then press together connector fastener on both sides and detach connector (2).

Fig 4: Detaching Actuator Connector

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Installing actuator

Connect plug (1) to actuator.

Fig 5: Connecting Actuator Plug

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Secure actuator screws (2).

Tighten screws hand-tight only.

Fig 6: Identifying Actuator Screws

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Insert screws (1) and tighten down

Tightening torque 41 61 5AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Actuator Screws

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Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 41 61 4AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Actuator Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit resetter (2).

Remove retaining screws (1).

IMPORTANT: After the actuator has been installed, retaining screws (1) must be removed again!
If the retaining screws are not removed after the actuator has been installed, active pedestrian protection will not function.

Fig 9: Identifying Retaining Screws And Resetter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Seal holes of retaining screws with protective caps.

Comply with notes regarding handling active PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION .