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

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.
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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS
Tension BOTH COIL SPRINGS (and leave on vehicle)
Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR (N54) or EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR (N63)
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATING UNIT (EMF)
Unclip lines for pulse generator, brake pad wear sensor or shock absorber from holders above rear axle carrier
Disconnect plug connection at both ride-height sensors

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.

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 2: Pressing Clutch Pedal Down To Floor

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 hose is laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque 34 32 1AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 250)

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

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

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

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

Align special tools 31 5 253 to cross-member arms on rear axle carrier.

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING (REAR SECTION) .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 253) To Cross-Member Arms On Rear Axle Carrier

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

1 = Banjo bolts

Fig 6: Identifying Control Lines And Banjo Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Lower rear axle carrier only until such stage that the rubber mounts can be changed.

Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle carrier approx. 50 mm. See 33 32 153 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT COMPRESSION STRUT and 33 32 155 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR COMPRESSION STRUT .

Vehicles without the rear compression strut: Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ . Remove screw (1) and stop plate (2).

Fig 7: Removing Screw And Stop Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.