33 32 064 Removing and installing/replacing left or right swinging arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the swinging arm is detached from the integral link/wheel carrier or rear axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel.
Remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from swinging arm
Remove stabilizer link from swinging arm

Mark position of eccentric screw to rear axle carrier.

Fig 1: Mark Position Of Eccentric Screw To Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support wheel carrier with workshop jack.

Release nut (1) and remove eccentric washer (2).

Remove eccentric screw towards front.

Fig 2: Identifying Eccentric Washer And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of eccentric screw.

Align eccentric screw by means of marking to rear axle carrier.

Refit eccentric washer.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position . See 32 00... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 32 20AZ . See 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUT .

Release nut and pull out bolt towards rear.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position . See 32 00... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 32 20AZ . See 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUT .

Fig 3: Releasing Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Remove screw towards rear and remove swinging arm.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 32 22AZ . See 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUT .

Fig 4: Locating Swinging Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check that output shaft is correctly seated in rear differential.
Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .