37 12 220 Removing and installing/replacing rear active stabilizer

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 0 170

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Seal off pipe connections with plugs.

NOTE: A light film of grease on the anti-friction bearing in no way impairs the operational capability of the stabilizer.
In a warranty case you must always provide a fault memory printout, even where there is no fault memory entry, with the defective part.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

E61: Remove rear cross strut

Release screws (1).

Installation:

Insert screws (1).

Align pressure lines to rear axle carrier.

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 14AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: To prevent the stabilizer from being distorted, secure first the left retaining bracket (without elongated holes) and then the right retaining bracket (with elongated holes) to the front axle carrier.

E61: If necessary, remove vibration damper from right retaining bracket of stabilizer.

Tightening torque 33 55 6AZ .

Release nuts (1) on both sides.

Remove stabilizer from front axle carrier.

Check anti-friction bearing on both sides for damage; if necessary, replace stabilizer (observe note at start of repair instruction).

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Bracket Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check RUBBER MOUNT ON BOTH SIDES , replace if necessary.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 55 3AZ .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Pressure lines must not have any contact with the stabilizer (minimum distance 5 mm)!

Release nuts (1, 2).

Tightening torque 37 14 18AZ .

Disconnect pressure lines and seal off with seal plugs.

Remove STABILIZER LINKS ON BOTH SIDES FROM STABILIZER .

Remove stabilizer sideways.

Installation:

Pressure lines are protected against being mixed up by different thread diameters on the oscillating motor connection.

Fig 3: Identifying Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly: Pressure lines to oscillating motor

NOTE: Before the stabilizer is installed, the pressure lines must be aligned to the oscillating motor and secured using banjo bolts.

Installation:

Screw nuts into stabilizer, do not tighten down
Attach special tool 33 0 170 to pressure lines (the side of the special tool illustrated must point in the direction of the oscillating motor)
Tighten down nuts
Tightening torque 37 14 18AZ .
Remove special tool

Fig 4: Attaching Special Tool 33 0 170 To Pressure Lines
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Remove RUBBER MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES FROM STABILIZER .

After installation:

Fill and bleed HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Check pipe connections for leaks
If necessary, carry out INITIAL DYNAMIC DRIVE OPERATION