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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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.

NOTE: Do not grease sliding surfaces (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Release Bearing And Lever Surface

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

This version is for 4-cylinder gasoline engines.

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

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

Fig 2: Identifying Release Bearing And Lever Surface

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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 And Ball Pin

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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.

NOTE: Graphic similar

Fig 5: Removing Release Bearing

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IMPORTANT: Only on E60/E61M5 M5 and E63/E64 M6 (7-speed SMG transmission) - lightly grease guide sleeve.

Previous clutch release bearing:

Clutch release bearing with moving thrust plate (1).

Swivel motion of thrust plate (1) possible.

Fig 6: Moving Thrust Plate

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

Installation:

Clean release lever.

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 7: Removing Release Lever From Spring Wire Clip

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Previous release lever

Installation:

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

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).

Installation:

Except for E60/61 M5 and E63/64 M6 (7-speed SMG transmission) - 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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