33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 030  . See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .
• 00 2 040 
• 33 4 232  . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .
• 33 4 233 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove rear wheels  .
• Remove exhaust system  . See EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR .
• Partially detach heat insulation at rear.
• Remove handbrake cable on both sides from hanging hook.
• Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to control arm.
• Detach plug connection for brake pad wear sensor on right and expose line up to control arm.
• If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor.
• Remove spring strut shock absorber on both sides from wheel carrier   .

When supporting components, make sure that

• the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
• the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Insert special tools 33 4 233  and 33 4 232  into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040  .

Align special tool 00 2 040  to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 030  .

Fig 1: Aligning Special Tool To Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Dynamic Drive: 

Partially detach pressure lines for rear axle oscillating  motor on floorpan and remove right bracket from rear axle carrier. See 37 13 110 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/REAR AXLE .

Remove tension struts   .

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate (2).

Lower rear axle carrier (3).

Installation: 

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts  .

First install tension struts   and then tighten down bolts (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ  . See 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 2: Identifying Stop Plate, Rear Axle Carrier And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.