Disengage spring strut at bottom.
Heat ball joint mount (1) at leading link to max. 120°C (248°F) and remove it.
Remove covers (2) from leading link pivots.
Disconnect the left air intake pipe from the cylinder head.
Remove left screw cap (3).
Remove right retaining ring (4) and retaining cap (5).
Remove right screw (6) and remove shaft (7) by pulling to the left.
Pull telescopic fork forwards and carefully remove leading link by pulling forwards.
Caution! Protect parts against scratching; mask off if necessary.
Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
Apply a light coating of grease to the shaft before installing.
Tighten the ball joint in the leading link using socket, BMW No. 31 5 601, and Allen key, BMW No. 31 5 603.
Tightening torque:
- Leading link to engine on right — 73 Nm
- Left screw cap (coat thread lightly with Never Seeze) — 42 Nm
- Leading link to ball joint (use a new nut or clean thread + Loctite 2701) — 130 Nm
- Spring strut to leading link — 50 Nm