33 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 4 420 SUPPORT

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage
Refit spacer (1).
Use only approved rear differential oils!

Fig 1: Refit Spacer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Lower exhaust system in rear area, see 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Remove output shaft from rear differential at both ends and tie back, see 33 21 001 Removing and installing / replacing left output shaft .
Remove propeller shaft from rear differential and tie back, see 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY .

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

Remove compression strut and insert bolts for rear axle carrier at front until contact is made, see 33 32 160 Removing and installing/replacing compression strut for rear axle carrier .

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

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates (1).
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates (1) are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Fig 2: Dust Plates With Special Tool (33 4 420)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fig 3: Rear Differential Screw

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Unfasten nut.

Unscrew bolt to center of car; if necessary, remove spacer.

Slowly lower workshop jack and tip rear differential out towards rear.

Fig 4: Locating Rear Differential Nut

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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); if necessary, fit spacer
Replace and screw on nut (3) (do not tighten down)
Lower workshop jack
Install compression strut, see 33 32 160 Removing and installing/replacing compression strut for rear axle carrier .
Tighten down screws (1)
Tightening torque: 33 17 1AZ, see 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .
Tighten nut (3)
Tightening torque: 33 17 1AZ, see 33 17 FINAL DRIVE UNIT MOUNTINGS .

Fig 5: Rear Differential Bolt And Screw

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 .