33 31 000 Removing And Installing Complete Rear Axle Carrier

Special tools required: 

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

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove BRAKE DISC ON BOTH SIDES
• Disconnect HANDBRAKE CABLE ON BOTH SIDES OF WHEEL BRAKE and remove from hanging hook
• Remove PROPELLER SHAFT FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL and tie back or remove completely if necessary
• E64 M6: Remove rear left and right tension struts
• E64 except M6: Remove cross strut
• 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 (00 2 030, 00 2 040, 33 4 232, 33 4 233)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Dynamic Drive: 

Disconnect PRESSURE LINES AT POINT OF SEPARATION II and seal with plugs.

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 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION for specs.

Fig 2: Identifying Screws And Stop Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Version with Dynamic Drive: 
  • Fill and bleed HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
  • Check pipe connections for leaks
  • If necessary, carry out INITIAL DYNAMIC DRIVE OPERATION
• Adjusting HANDBRAKE