33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier (universal lifter)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
31 5 251
31 5 253
31 5 255

See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

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 both rear coil springs
If necessary, remove tension strut(s) . See 51 71 371 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TENSION STRUT ON LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT DOME (CONVERTIBLE) or 51 71 371 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TENSION STRUT ON LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT DOME (COUPE) .

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

NOTE: The pedal support may only be released when the brake lines are reconnected.

This prevents brake fluid from emerging from the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

Fig 1: Locating Pedal Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position an oil sump underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hoses are laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque 34 32 1AZ, see 34 32 BRAKE LINES

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Hoses And Banjo Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip cables for pulse generator and ride-height sensor/brake pad sensor on rear axle carrier at side.

Slacken nut (1).

Turn bracket (2) for exhaust system towards rear.

Release sheet nut and bolts (arrows).

Place heat shield on exhaust system.

Fig 3: Locating Sheet Nut And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools 31 5 251, 31 5 255 And 31 5 253

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to rear axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools 31 5 253 And 31 5 255

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove compression struts (1).

Release screws (2) and swivel/remove stop plates to one side.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts .

First install compression struts (1) and then tighten down screws (2).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ, see 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION

Fig 6: Identifying Compression Struts And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Bleed braking system . See 34 00 025 REPLACING FLUID IN ABS/ASC+T BRAKE SYSTEM .