33 10 010 Removing And Installing/Replacing Rear Differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 750i, 2008 BMW 750Li, 2007 BMW 750i, 2007 BMW 750Li, and 2006 BMW 750i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 4 420

IMPORTANT: Observe safety when raising the vehicle.
Use only approved rear differential oils ! See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft from rear differential
Remove output shaft from rear differential at both ends and tie back

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

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

Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420.

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates.
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 420)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws.

Fig 2: Locating Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Vehicle without vibration damper:

Unfasten nut and remove screw.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear differential towards rear.

Fig 3: Identifying Vibration Damper Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Vehicle with vibration damper:

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 17 9AZ . See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Remove vibration damper (2).

Release nut and remove bolt (3) towards rear.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear differential towards rear.

Fig 4: Identifying Vibration Damper, Bolt And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the following installation sequence in order to prevent distortion of the rear differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Installation sequence:

Install rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420.
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down)
NOTE: On vehicles with vibration dampers, insert screw (2) from rear.
Insert bolt (2), replace and screw on nut (do not tighten down).
Lower workshop jack and place to one side
Tighten screws (1)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ . See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Tighten screw (2)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ . See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

After installation:

Check rear differential oil level, correct if necessary.

Fig 5: Identifying Vibration Damper, Screw And Nut
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.