21 51 500 Removing and installing or replacing clutch operator

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove transmission. See TRANSMISSION (GS6-55BG) (N16) , TRANSMISSION (GS6-53BG) (N18) , or TRANSMISSION (GS6X-53BG), WITH N18 ENGINE AND AWD .

When installing a new clutch, you must replace the release bearing.

Installation note: 

When replacing the clutch release lever, the ball pin must be replaced as well.

Press wire spring clip (1) through clutch release lever (2).

Remove clutch release lever (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Wire Spring Clip And Clutch Release Lever

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Press in clamps (1) slightly and remove clutch release bearing.

Installation note: 

Clean all sliding surfaces on clutch release bearing.

Check for damage and replace if necessary.

Do not grease clutch release lever.

Fig 2: Identifying Clutch Release Bearing Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Check wire spring clip (1) and ball pin (2) for damage and replace if necessary.

Remove wire spring clip (1).

Lightly grease ball pin (2).

Clean the sliding surface of the guide sleeve (3).

Grease: Esso UNIREX S2, part number 83 23 9 416 138

Fig 3: Identifying Wire Spring Clip, Ball Pin And Guide Sleeve

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Install the wire spring clip (1) in the release lever (2).

Lightly grease the contact surface (3) of the release lever with the slave cylinder.

Install clutch release lever.

Fig 4: Identifying Wire Spring Clip, Release Lever And Contact Surface

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