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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: (transmission removed)

New version (except M models)

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

If possible, do not disassemble the release module.

Otherwise there is a risk of the release module being incorrectly reassembled.

Installation:

Make sure that the correct cam (1) of the release bearing is on the sliding surface (2) of the release lever.

The positioning in relation to each other is identified by white dots on the cam (1) and the sliding surface (2).

NOTE: Do not grease sliding surfaces (2).

Fig 1: Ensure correct cam (1) of release bearing is on sliding surface (2) of release lever

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Fig. A: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=12 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever. See Fig 2.

This version is for 4-cylinder petrol/gasoline engines.

Fig. B: Cam (1) of release bearing (A=7 mm) is on sliding surface of release lever. See Fig 2.

This version is for 6-cylinder petrol/gasoline and diesel engines.

Fig 2: Identifying Release Bearing Dimension

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Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 3: Removing Release Module From Spring Wire Clip

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Installation:

Check spring wire clip (5) and ball pin (6) for damage and replace if necessary.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Wire Clip (5) And Ball Pin (6)

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Previous version

Detach release bearing (1).

Installation:

Clean all sliding surfaces on clutch release bearing, check for damage and replace if necessary.

Do not grease clutch release bearing.

Sliding surfaces (2) of clutch release bearing must rest on sliding surfaces (3) of release lever.

Apply a thin coating of grease to sliding surfaces (2) of release bearing.

Fig 5: Detaching Release Bearing

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NOTE: Illustration similar

IMPORTANT: On E60/E61 M5 and E63/E64 M6 only - apply a light coating of grease to guide sleeve.

Previous clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing with moving thrust plate (1).

Swivel motion of thrust plate (1) possible.

Fig 6: Identifying Thrust Plate

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

Installation:

Clean release lever.

Fig 7: Withdrawing Release Lever From Spring Wire Clip

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NOTE: Illustration similar.

Previous release lever

Installation:

Apply a thin coating of grease to release lever at sliding surfaces (1 and 2) only. See Fig 8.

Fig 8: Identifying Grease Applying Area

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Installation:

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).

NOTE: The spring wire clip and ball pin must always be replaced on the S6S 420G transmission.
Illustration similar.

Fig 9: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

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Clean guide sleeve (7).

Note on installation: (except for E60/E61 M5 and E63/E64 M6)

Do not grease guide sleeve.

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

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 10: Identifying Guide Sleeve

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