33 10 016/17 Removing and installing/renewing rear differential (Dynamic Performance Control)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

23 4 050
24 4 050
33 0 110
33 5 206

WARNING: Danger of injury! Rear differential must be lashed with tensioning strap 33 5 206 to prevent it from falling down during removal.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove exhaust system. See EXHAUST - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS - X5 (6 CYL) or EXHAUST - REPAIR PROCEDURES - X5 (V8) .
Remove propeller shaft at final drive . See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED) COMPLETELY .

Release screws (1) from output shaft (2). Installation note: Screws (1) and washers must be replaced! Tightening torque, see 33 21 1AZ in 21 OUTPUT SHAFT .

Fig 1: Release Screws (1) From Output Shaft (2)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Output shafts must not under any circumstances rest on swinging arms.

Tape off output shafts or place a cloth on swinging arm.

Fig 2: Output Shafts Must Not Under Any Circumstances Rest On Swinging Arms

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Release screws (1) and remove heat shield (2). Installation note: Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive. Check threads on rear differential for damage and, if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts. Make sure wiring harness (3) is correctly seated on rear differential. Stick in new screws. Tightening torque, see 33 11 4AZ in 33 11 REAR DIFFERENTIAL CASE WITH COVER .

Fig 3: Release Screws (1) And Remove Heat Shield (2)

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Position special tool 33 0 110 in combination with 23 4 050 on workshop jack (1).

Fig 4: Position Special Tool 33 0 110 In Combination With 23 4 050

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Support rear differential with the prepared special tool 24 4 050. Lash rear differential with the tensioning strap 33 5 206.

Fig 5: Support Rear Differential With The Prepared Special Tool 24 4 050

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Disconnect plug connections (1) on rear differential. Unfasten ground strap (2).

Fig 6: Disconnect Plug Connections (1) On Rear Differential

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! To prevent the rubber mounts from overstretching when the bolts are pulled out, ensure the bolts remains in the rubber mounts.

Release screw (1). Tightening torque, see 33 17 1AZ in 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS . Installation note: Adhere to the installation sequence at the end of the document in order to prevent distortion of the rear axle final drive during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Fig 7: Release Screw (1)

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Release rear bolt (1). Tightening torque, see 33 17 2AZ in 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS . Slowly lower rear differential using workshop lifter.

Fig 8: Release Rear Bolt (1)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Inclination on removal/ installation of the rear differential must not exceed 45°! (Oils may mix via the common ventilation!)

NOTE: Take rear differential down from special tool with assistance of a 2nd person and set down on a suitable surface.

Assembly sequence:

Install rear axle final drive with workshop jack and special tool 24 4 050 in rear axle support
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down).
Insert bolt (2) from rear (do not tighten down).
Release tensioning strap, lower special tool 24 4 050 and move away.
Tighten down screws (1). Tightening torque, see 33 17 1AZ in 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .
Tighten down screw (2). Tightening torque, see 33 17 2AZ in 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .

Fig 9: Insert Bolt (2) From Rear

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After installation:

Check final drive oil level, correct if necessary.