37 12... Replacing pipes for air springs

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:

Risk of injury!

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

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 spring system.

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Pull out fuse for air supply unit in luggage compartment at rear right
Remove rear left and right WHEEL ARCH COVERS
Remove rear BUMPER TRIM

Draining air spring system:

Carefully slacken screw connection of pipe (1) until the sound of escaping air can be heard.

NOTE: Wait approx. 2 minutes until the pressure on the left and/or right sides has decreased completely (hissing stops)

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

Installation:

Install new SCREWED CONNECTION .

Fig 1: Identifying Draining Air Spring System With Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing panel from air supply unit on underbody at rear:

Unscrew nuts (1).

Release screws (2).

Lever out expander rivets (3) and remove panel (4) from air supply unit.

Fig 2: Identifying Air Supply Panel With Nuts, Screws And Rivets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Do not kink, twist or crush new pipes.

To avoid leaks in the air spring system, it is essential to avoid scratches on pipes in particular in the connection area!

Line, air spring, left: "Red"

Line, air spring, right: "Blue"

Pipes must have sufficient clearance to adjoining components!

Fig 3: Identifying Air Supply Unit And Air Spring Strut With Pipe Holders (Red Pipe)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pipe routing, left (red pipe)

Detach pipe from air supply unit (1) and air spring strut (2).

Then seal air supply unit and air spring strut with adhesive tape.

Unclip pipe from holder (see arrows).

Installation:

Install new SCREWED CONNECTIONS .

Carefully screw in banjo bolts by hand to avoid damaging the plastic threads and with it the air supply unit.

Tightening torque 37 12 1AZ .

Pipe routing, right (blue pipe).

Detach pipe from air supply unit (1) and air spring strut (2).

Then seal air supply unit and air spring strut with adhesive tape.

Unclip pipe from holder (see arrows).

Fig 4: Identifying Air Supply Unit And Air Spring Strut With Pipe Holders (Blue Pipe)

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