33 32 086 Removing and installing/replacing bottom left control arm

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.

NOTE: If the lower control arm is detached from the rear axle carrier/trailing arm, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel, see 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
Remove stabilizer from rear axle carrier, see 33 55 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear stabilizer .
Support rear differential and remove from rear axle carrier, see 33 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear differential .

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the output shaft, it will be necessary to support the trailing arm with the workshop jack.

Support trailing arm from underneath using a workshop jack.

Spread cover on lower control arm and pull off.

Installation:

Opening in cover points upwards.

Replace damaged cover.

Fig 1: Locating Lower Control Arm

G04787905

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark position of eccentric screw (1) to lower control arm with center marks (2).

Replacement only: Carry over marking from old part to new part.

Fig 2: Mark Position Of Eccentric Screw To Lower Control Arm With Centre Marks

G04787906

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 lower control arm.

Reinstall eccentric washer.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt in normal position, see 32 00 ... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque: 33 32 25AZ, see 33 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 3: Eccentric Washer And Nut

G04787907

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw and remove thread plate (1) downwards.

Press rear differential to side and remove bolt.

Remove lower control arm at side.

Installation:

Insert thread plate into opening in rear axle carrier.

Tighten bolt in normal position, see 32 00 ... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque: 33 32 15AZ, see 33 32 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 4: Removing Thread Plate And Screw

G04787908

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Weld seam of control arm must point upwards.

Fig 5: Locating Weld Seam Of Control Arm

G04787909

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check that output shaft is correctly seated in rear differential.
Perform 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION