Removing the rear air suspension

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to the air suspension strut .
Moving the vehicle while the air suspension struts are not completely filled results in damage to the air suspension strut .

Make sure that the air suspension struts are completely filled. The residual pressure in the air suspension strut is not sufficient.
Activate and fill the air spring system before moving the vehicle.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Contaminant or foreign body .
Contamination can result in malfunctions, loss of function or leaks .

Adhere to the utmost cleanliness.
Protect components from contamination e.g. by covering.
Close off line connections with seal plugs.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damaging the air spring system .
Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system .

Ensure utmost cleanliness in the connection area of the pipes during disassembly and assembly.
For this purpose, also see the additional information: NOTES ON AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Perform wheel alignment after installation.

Preliminary work

Refer to CREATING A FAULT MEMORY PRINTOUT IN WARRANTY CASES .
Refer to DEACTIVATING THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR COVERING .
Refer to IF INSTALLED: REMOVING THE THIRD-ROW SEATING .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR LEFT WHEEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM .
Refer to DISCONNECTING THE PLUG CONNECTION ON THE SPRING STRUT .

CAUTION: Residual pressure in the air suspension strut .
Injury hazard!

The air suspension strut remains under a certain amount of residual pressure even after the pipe is disconnected.
Do not disassemble the air suspension strut.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damaging the air spring system .
Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system .

Ensure utmost cleanliness in the connection area of the pipes during disassembly and assembly.
For this purpose, also see the additional information: NOTES ON AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Failure to comply with the specification .
Component damage .

All specifications for installation and removal must be observed.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Secure component against falling.

Loosen screws (1). When doing so, secure the air suspension against falling down together with a support person.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower the air suspension (1) a little to reach the banjo bolt (2).
Carefully slacken the banjo bolt (2) until the sound of escaping air (hissing noise) is noticed.
Wait approx. 2 min until the pressure in the air spring system is completely relieved.
The hissing noise stops.
Completely release the banjo bolt (1) after a full pressure reduction.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Carefully feed out the air suspension (1) in arrow direction and remove it.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.