33 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear differential

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.

Special tools required:

33 4 420 . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

IMPORTANT: Use only approved rear differential oils!
M5, M6: After the running-in phase of 2000 km, it is essential to carry out a rear differential oil change . See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft from rear differential . See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT (CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT) .
Remove output shaft from rear differential at both ends and tie back. See 33 21 001 Removing and installing or replacing left output shaft and 33 21 002 Removing and installing / replacing right output shaft .

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

Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates.
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 420)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws.

Fig 2: Locating Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, unclip scavenging air line and screw off bracket.

Release nut and pull out screw towards rear.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear differential towards rear.

Fig 3: Locating Rear Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the following installation sequence in order to prevent distortion of the rear differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Installation sequence:

Install rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down)
Insert bolt (2), replace and screw on nut (do not tighten down).
Lower workshop jack and place to one side
Tighten down screws (1)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ . See 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .
Tighten down screw (2)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ . See 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .

Fig 4: Identifying Bolt And Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check rear differential oil level , correct if necessary. See 00 11... CHECKING/TOPPING UP OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL .