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71 60... Replacing Release Unit For Trailer Tow Hitch

Special tools required: 

NOTE: Bumper trim shown removed for purposes of clarity.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unclip cable holder (2).

Fig 1: Cable Holder And Plug Connection
G04753824Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 71 60 2AZ .

Installation: 

Replace microencapsulated screw (1).

Fig 2: Microencapsulated Screw
G06852197Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: Shown without gear unit for purposes of clarity.

Fit special tool 72 0 010 so that ribs (2) of retainer (1) are inserted into special tool.

Fig 3: Inserting Ribs Of Retainer Into Special Tool (72 0 010)
G06852198Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Make sure special tool 72 0 010 is correctly positioned.

Special tool 72 0 010 must be inserted between trailer tow hitch (1) and gear unit (2).

Fig 4: Inserting Special Tool 72 0 010 Between Trailer Tow Hitch And Gear Unit
G06852199Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drive special tool 72 0 010 in direction of arrow upwards and remove retainer of gear unit (1).

Detach gear unit (1).

Fig 5: Removing Retainer Of Gear Unit
G06852200Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If it is not possible to detach the gear unit:

RELEASE GEAR UNIT .

Installation 

Replace sealing ring (1) and coat with oil.

Fig 6: Sealing Ring
G06852201Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Align lock (2) on gear unit to release pin (3).

Fit gear unit (1) up to stop.

Fig 7: Gear Unit, Align Lock And Pin
G06852202Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Fit retaining lug on retainer (1) as pictured.
Retainer (1) must snap firmly into correctly!

Fit special tool 72 0 010 onto retainer (1).

Fig 8: Fitting Special Tool 72 0 010 Onto Retainer
G06852203Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Set retainer (1) on gear unit (2) and snap into place with special tool 72 0 010 in direction of arrow.

Installation: 

Check protective cap (3) for damage and replace if necessary.

Fig 9: Setting Retainer On Gear Unit
G06852204Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When replacing protective cap: 

If necessary, cut off cable tie (1) from gear unit (2).

Fig 10: Cable Tie And Gear Unit
G06852205Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.