33 32 071 Replacing one upper control arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 BMW 550i and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: The control arm to wheel carrier connection has been changed from a conical seat to a ball seat! Spare parts are offered for both variants.
To ensure a correct bolt connection, check before installing the control arm whether the seat for the control arm matches the seat for the wheel carrier.

Variants:

A Conical seat
B Ball seat

Fig 1: Identifying Conical Seat And Ball Seat
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NOTE: If the control arm is detached from the rear axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel .

Shown on vehicle at rear right:

Unclip line for pulse generator (1) from holder (2).

Only on right side: Unclip line for brake pad wear sensor (3) from holder (2).

Fig 2: Unclip Brake Pad Wear Sensor From Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut (1).

Remove control arm at top from wheel carrier.

Installation:

Keep control arm to wheel carrier connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 32 8AZ . See 33 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Unscrew nut (1).

Fig 3: Unscrew Nut

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Pull out bolt (2) and remove control arm.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of screw.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position.

Tightening torque 33 32 14AZ . See 33 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 4: Removing Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Unclip holder on control arm.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .