37 12 070 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right air spring strut

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L, 2015 BMW Alpina B7, 2015 BMW 750i, 2015 BMW 750Li, and 2015 BMW 740i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Danger of injury!

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

IMPORTANT:

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 suspension system.

NOTE: Read and comply with NOTES ON AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM .

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Deactivate air spring system:
- Raise vehicle on lifting platform.
- Remove ignition key
- Pull out fuse for air spring system in luggage compartment at rear right
Remove REAR WHEEL ARCH COVER
Remove rear parcel shelf. See REMOVING TRIM PANEL FOR STORAGE SHELF or REMOVING TRIM PANEL FOR STORAGE SHELF (WITH ROLLER SUNBLIND) .
Release CARBON CANISTER on right wheel arch.

WARNING:

Danger of injury!

Do not disassemble the air spring strut! Air spring strut is still under a certain residual pressure even after the pipe is disconnected.

IMPORTANT:

Risk of damage!

Do not kink, twist or crush pipes.

Carefully slacken banjo bolt (1) on air spring strut (2) until the sound of escaping air can be heard.

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

NOTE: Wait roughly 2 minutes until the pressure on the left side and/or right side of the air spring system is completely reduced (hissing sound stops).

Only fully release banjo bolt (1) after pressure has completely reduced.

Fig 1: Identifying Air Spring Strut With Banjo Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Check banjo bolt(s) for dirt, clean if necessary.
Carefully screw in banjo bolt(s) by hand to avoid damaging the thread and with it the air spring strut.

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Unclip line from holder.

Installation note:

Check holder for damage and replace if necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fold acoustic insulation (1) upwards.

Unscrew nuts (2)..

Tightening torque 37 12 4AZ .

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 3: Folding Acoustic Insulation Upwards

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw.

Tightening torque 37 12 5AZ .

Press air spring strut off wheel carrier and remove towards bottom.

Fig 4: Identifying Air Spring Strut Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air spring system:
- Insert fuse in corresponding slot in fuse box
- Set vehicle down on its wheels
- Start engine
- Air spring struts are automatically filled
After replacement: encode the air suspension strut.