TheAngryBear
10-09-2019, 05:57 PM
TLDR: did the pressure accumulators, painful, improved ride
Vehicle: 2001 750iL
Mileage: 134k
Symptoms: harsh ride, bumpy, uneven stance
R&R: pressure accumulators
Since I have owned the Battlestar, the whole 18 months, the stance has been off and the ride harsher than I expected. The right rear was lower by about 1.5” than the left rear. Honestly no one else really noticed but as an owner...
I finally got around to replacing the accumulators today. Did the natural thing and watched the most recommended video from visionbmw.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KQISB8EhTEM
Great video and does address the left side well. There is a reason for that.
Not seeing any thread on this, as an alternative/ supplement to the video here is my writeup.
Tools needed (not all are pictured):
8 mm socket/wrench
10 mm socket/wrench
11 mm crow foot
14 mm crow foot
Jack stands
Jack
Pliers
Chocks
Bucket/Drain pan (optional but recommended)
17 mm socket (wheels)
Torque wrench (wheels)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/c66470e6f8ffe46639824616af31004d.jpg
Loosen lugs.
Jack up and place vehicles on stands with chocks on front wheels. Recommend using the differential as if you jack the front up and are able to put stands under you either you have a lift or are about to have a bad day.
Starting on the easy side (left rear), remove the wheel and set aside.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/c70d864dd8e260249bf933b0b024e8f6.jpg
Remove the various fasteners to the wheel well being sure to get them all including the wheel speed sensor box.
Crack the seal on the accumulator and let drain.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/20bd1c0ccd05c6c51e170c40d270f419.jpg
Now is the time for the optional bucket / drain pan or you will have a slick garage floor.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/1269c5058eba0036cc7906138c0d65fc.jpg
Pull the wheel well down.
Remove the lines withe the crow foot wrenches (crow feet?) and undo the other bolt holding the accumulator up. Remove.
Compare to new.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/22db8815959e69dee454c5d74ca362ac.jpg
Note that you need to put in the bushings.
Push them in.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/72b248a4f09287bf358046d5e8bcf743.jpg
Done
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/b15e9128b0336d67a2fb2d7a591c7cc8.jpg
Put everything back tightly but not stripping anything.
Go to right rear and basically repeat.
Why does the right suck over the left?
I have centered this shot on the location of the accumulator.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/03d9f1bde00717ce76c486f2f95255a9.jpg
Yes, effectively between the siren and the filler hose.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/f723ea1ec2320291b9920c879563c45d.jpg
Same process and steps but just awkward angles and blind work at times.
Once done, put everything back (including wheels) and lower to the ground. Fill up reservoir with CHF11S and enjoy the smooth ride.
Overall not bad and it improved the ride and stance. So worth it.
2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder
2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock
RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1
Vehicle: 2001 750iL
Mileage: 134k
Symptoms: harsh ride, bumpy, uneven stance
R&R: pressure accumulators
Since I have owned the Battlestar, the whole 18 months, the stance has been off and the ride harsher than I expected. The right rear was lower by about 1.5” than the left rear. Honestly no one else really noticed but as an owner...
I finally got around to replacing the accumulators today. Did the natural thing and watched the most recommended video from visionbmw.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KQISB8EhTEM
Great video and does address the left side well. There is a reason for that.
Not seeing any thread on this, as an alternative/ supplement to the video here is my writeup.
Tools needed (not all are pictured):
8 mm socket/wrench
10 mm socket/wrench
11 mm crow foot
14 mm crow foot
Jack stands
Jack
Pliers
Chocks
Bucket/Drain pan (optional but recommended)
17 mm socket (wheels)
Torque wrench (wheels)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/c66470e6f8ffe46639824616af31004d.jpg
Loosen lugs.
Jack up and place vehicles on stands with chocks on front wheels. Recommend using the differential as if you jack the front up and are able to put stands under you either you have a lift or are about to have a bad day.
Starting on the easy side (left rear), remove the wheel and set aside.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/c70d864dd8e260249bf933b0b024e8f6.jpg
Remove the various fasteners to the wheel well being sure to get them all including the wheel speed sensor box.
Crack the seal on the accumulator and let drain.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/20bd1c0ccd05c6c51e170c40d270f419.jpg
Now is the time for the optional bucket / drain pan or you will have a slick garage floor.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/1269c5058eba0036cc7906138c0d65fc.jpg
Pull the wheel well down.
Remove the lines withe the crow foot wrenches (crow feet?) and undo the other bolt holding the accumulator up. Remove.
Compare to new.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/22db8815959e69dee454c5d74ca362ac.jpg
Note that you need to put in the bushings.
Push them in.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/72b248a4f09287bf358046d5e8bcf743.jpg
Done
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/b15e9128b0336d67a2fb2d7a591c7cc8.jpg
Put everything back tightly but not stripping anything.
Go to right rear and basically repeat.
Why does the right suck over the left?
I have centered this shot on the location of the accumulator.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/03d9f1bde00717ce76c486f2f95255a9.jpg
Yes, effectively between the siren and the filler hose.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/f723ea1ec2320291b9920c879563c45d.jpg
Same process and steps but just awkward angles and blind work at times.
Once done, put everything back (including wheels) and lower to the ground. Fill up reservoir with CHF11S and enjoy the smooth ride.
Overall not bad and it improved the ride and stance. So worth it.
2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder
2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock
RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1