54 34 006 Removing and installing/replacing left hydraulic cylinder for soft top compartment lid

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Follow REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for hydraulic system.
Support soft top compartment lid in SERVICE POSITION .

IMPORTANT: Hydraulic fluid may emerge from the disconnected lines and the open connections on the hydraulic cylinder.
Protect components and work area with suitable materials (e.g. cloths).

IMPORTANT: Never lift off ball socket with engaged clamp.
Before installation, grease ball socket if necessary.

Installation note:

Pack grease into two opposite positions in socket.

The grease spreads after installation on the ball pin all round in the ball socket.

Dismantling/installing ball sockets:

Push on clamp in direction of groove with screwdriver
Lift off ball socket from ball pin
Slide clamp back
Fit ball socket on ball stud and snap into place with force

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Ball Sockets With Clip
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Remove ball head (1) as described above.

Fig 2: Identifying Ball Head

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Remove ball head (1) as described above.

Detach cable strap.

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable straps.

Fig 3: Removing Ball Head

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Disconnecting hydraulic lines from cylinder:

Push retainer (1) open at the top and bottom of the cylinder using a screwdriver.

Detach hydraulic lines (2).

IMPORTANT: Protect separation points (lines and cylinder) against dripping fluid, e.g. with a cleaning cloth.
Observe hose markings.

Fig 4: Detaching Hydraulic Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.