33 21 000 Removing And Installing / Replacing Left Or Right Output Shaft (M5)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Scalding hazard!
Only perform the following tasks after the vehicle has cooled down.

Apply handbrake.

Remove rear wheel.

E61: Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system Unscrew collar nut.

Installation:

Replace collar nut, apply a light coating of oil to contact surface and tighten down.

Tighten to specified torque. See REAR AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Secure collar nut by peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

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Remove exhaust system.

E61: Remove rear left or right tension strut.

Release bolts and remove with washers (1).

Force output shaft off drive flange with a suitable tool.

Installation:

Before installing output shaft, make sure that drive flange is fully engaged in rear differential.

Replace bolts and washers (1).

Tighten to specified torque. See REAR AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 2: Locating Bolts And Washers

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Remove stabilizer link from swinging arm .

E60: Remove spring strut shock absorber from wheel carrier.

E61: Remove rear shock absorber from swinging arm.

Raise wheel carrier for feeding output shaft out and in with workshop jack approx. 20 mm.

Fig 3: Identifying Workshop Jack Under Wheel Carrier

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Press output shaft (1) out of drive flange and remove towards center of car.

Fig 4: Identifying Output Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check that output shaft is correctly seated in rear differential.
E61: Activate and fill air suspension system