21 51 500 Removing and installing or replacing clutch release bearing/lever

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: (gearbox removed)

New version (except M models)

Release bearing and release lever have been combined to form a single release module.

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: Identifying Bearing And Lever Sliding Surface

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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 Distance Between Release Bearing Cam And Release Lever Sliding Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

Fig 3: Removing Release Module From Spring Wire Clip

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

Installation note:

Clean release lever.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 4: Removing Release Lever From Spring Wire Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Esso UNIREX S2, part number 83 23 9 416 138 (40 g tube).

Illustration similar.

Fig 5: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Clean guide sleeve (7).

Installation note:

Do not grease guide sleeve.

If guide sleeve is greased, the release lever can stick on the guide sleeve.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 6: Identifying Guide Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.