33 31 503 Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Carrier

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 030
• 00 2 040
• 33 4 232
• 33 4 233

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove rear wheels
• Remove exhaust system. See 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (S85) .
• 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: Identifying Special Tools 33 4 233 And 33 4 232

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.

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 Heli-coil thread inserts.

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

Tighten to specified torque. See 33 33 3AZ in REAR AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.