33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle support: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2014 BMW X6, 2013 BMW X6, 2012 BMW X6, 2011 BMW X6, and 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
31 5 250
31 5 253
31 5 256
33 5 206

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 permissible load distribution in the lifting platform operating instructions.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier.

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

IMPORTANT: Observe safety information for raising the vehicle In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS
Tension BOTH COIL SPRINGS (and leave on vehicle)
Remove PROPELLER SHAFT (N54) or PROPELLER SHAFT (N63) .
Expose cable pull for the emergency release up to the rear axle support.
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATING UNIT (EMF)
Unclip lines for pulse generator, brake pad sensor or shock absorber from holders above rear axle carrier
Disconnect plug connection at both ride-height sensors
Remove both rear shock absorbers at the wheel carrier (undo clamps for brake hose).

Version with ride-height control:

Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to remove the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Installation:

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

Fig 1: Pressing Lower Section Of Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The picture shows the plug connections on the right side on a vehicle with Vertical Dynamics Management (VDM).

Partially detach WHEEL ARCH COVER .

Only on right side: Disconnect plug connection (1) for brake pad wear sensor and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Disconnect plug connection (2) for pulse sensor and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Disconnect both plug connections (3) for the shock absorbers and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

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Press brake 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 3: Pressing Pedal Down To Floor

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Position an oil sump underneath to catch brake fluid.

Undo retaining screw (1), in the process counter brake hoses (2) at the square head.

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

Installation:

Ensure tension-free routing of the brake hose and sufficient distance to neighboring components

Tightening torque 34 32 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

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Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 250) And (00 2 030)

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

Align special tool 31 5 256 to opening in rear axle support.

Align special tool 31 5 253 to cross-member arms on rear axle support.

Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 253) And (31 5 256)

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IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack. Tie down rear axle support 33 5 206 to the special tool using a tensioning strap31 5 250!

Version with ARS:

Remove right underbody panelling (rear section).

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to control lines (2) when lowering and raising. Hydraulic lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release retaining screw (1). Tightening torque 37 14 15AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Control Lines

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Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle support.

NOTE: The rear compression strut will be discontinued in vehicles as of production date 03/2013.

Only vehicles without the rear compression strut: Release screw (1). Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ . Remove screw (1) and stop plate (2).

Fig 8: Removing Screw And Stop Plate

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