33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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.

Read and observe the information on load distribution in the lifting platform operating instructions.

Before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier, it is essential to place a minimum load of 100 kg in the luggage compartment to prevent the vehicle from toppling/slipping off the lifting platform!

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheels
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
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 .

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

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: Supporting Rear Axle Carrier By Raising Special Tool 00 2 030

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. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/REAR AXLE (REAR PRESSURE LINES) and REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/REAR AXLE (MIDDLE PRESSURE LINES)

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 .

Fig 2: Identifying Stop Plate And Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.