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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 BMW 550i and 2008 BMW 550i. 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: Locating Eccentric Screw

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.

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 with vehicle in normal position .

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

Fig 2: Identifying Eccentric Washer And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut and pull out bolt towards rear.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection with vehicle in normal position .

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

Fig 3: Pulling Bolt Towards Rear

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 33 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 4: Locating Swinging Arm Nut

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 .