37 12 220 Removing and installing/replacing rear active stabilizer

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 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 0 170 . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

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.

Release screws (1).

Installation:

Insert screws (1).

Align pressure lines to rear axle carrier.

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 14AZ. See INTEGRATED SUSPENSION SYSTEMS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Identifying Pressure Lines To Rear Axle Carrier

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.

Tightening torque 33 55 6AZ. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

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).

Installation:

Check rubber mount on both sides , replace if necessary. See 33 55 021 REPLACING BOTH RUBBER MOUNTS FOR STABILIZER MOUNTING .

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 55 3AZ. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Stabilizer Of Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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. See INTEGRATED SUSPENSION SYSTEMS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Disconnect pressure lines and seal off with seal plugs.

Remove stabilizer links on both sides from stabilizer. See 33 55 040 REPLACING STABILIZER LINKS FOR 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 Pressure Lines And Nuts

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. See INTEGRATED SUSPENSION SYSTEMS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Remove special tool

Fig 4: Attaching Special Tool (33 0 170)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Remove rubber mount on both sides from stabilizer. See 33 55 021 REPLACING BOTH RUBBER MOUNTS FOR STABILIZER MOUNTING .

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) .
Check pipe connections for leaks
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation.