54 34 016 Removing and installing/replacing left or right hydraulic cylinder for soft top

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Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove SOFT TOP
Position soft top on special tool and close

NOTE: Hydraulic cylinder is only accessible when soft top is removed and closed.

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).

Detach retaining clip (1).

Drive out shaft pin.

Fig 1: Detaching Retaining Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release retainer in direction of arrow.
Drive out bearing journal in direction of arrow.

Feed out hydraulic cylinder.

Fig 2: Driving Out Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 3: Detaching Hydraulic Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.