Removal & Installation

Lower rear axle carrier. See AXLE CARRIER ASSEMBLY .
Assemble special tool (33 4 140 with 33 4 142/147). For compact (33 4 211). See Fig 1.
Place special tool (33 4 140/155 and 33 3 371/372) on openings of rubber mount and make sure they are correctly supported on bushing of rear axle carrier. Secure top of spindle with standard 12 mm nut (1). See Fig 2.

CAUTION: Do not point air jet at fuel tank.

Heat axle carrier with an industrial hot air blower with maximum outlet temperature of 1112°F (600°C). Heat bearing bush for approximately 2 minutes. Remove rubber mount.
Coat NEW rubber mount (1) with Circolight. Front rubber mounts differ. Rubber mount VR is front right with elongated hole (1). Rubber mount VL is front left. Arrows (2) on rubber mount must point in longitudinal direction of vehicle. See Fig 3.
Pull in with special tool (33 3 314/315/372/373) as far as it will go. See Fig 4.
Install rear axle carrier. See AXLE CARRIER ASSEMBLY .
Adjust axle. Check seating of spring pads in control arms.

Fig 1: Assembling Special Tool (33 4 140)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Positioning Special Tool (33 4 140)

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Fig 3: Identifying Left & Right Rubber Mounts

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Fig 4: Pulling In New Rubber Mount

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.