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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 27 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW M6, 2017 BMW 650i xDrive, 2017 BMW 650i, 2017 BMW 640i xDrive, and 2017 BMW 640i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: (Gearbox Removed)

Do not disassemble the release module. Otherwise there is a risk of the release module being incorrectly reassembled.

NOTE: Release bearing (1) and release lever (2) have been combined to form a single release module.
Do not grease sliding surfaces.

Fig 1: Identifying Bearing And Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Type: N43, N45, N46

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

Version for all other engines

Fig 2: Identifying Lever Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove release module (1) from spring wire clip.

Remove release module.

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 3: Releasing Module From Spring Wire Clip

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Installation note:

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).

Grease, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Wire Clip And Ball Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean guide sleeve (7).

Installation note:

Do not grease guide sleeve.

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

NOTE: Similar to graphic.

Fig 5: Identifying Guide Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.