33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle carrier

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M6, 2010 BMW 650i, 2009 BMW M6, 2009 BMW 650i, and 2008 BMW M6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
00 2 040
33 4 232
33 4 233 . Special tools are identified in illustrations. Also see REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Seal off pipe connections with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove brake disc on both sides . See BRAKES - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS .
Disconnect handbrake cable on both sides of wheel brake and remove from hanging hook. See BRAKES - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS .
Remove propeller shaft from rear differential and tie back or remove completely if necessary. See 11 PROPELLER SHAFT ASSEMBLY .
E64 M6: Remove rear left and right tension struts.
E64 except M6: Remove cross strut.
Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to control arm
Detach plug connection for brake pad wear sensor on right and expose line up to control arm
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
Remove Spring Strut Shock Absorber On Both Sides From Wheel Carrier .

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

Insert special tools 33 4 233 and 33 4 232 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Align special tool 00 2 040 to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 030 .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 33 4 232, 33 4 233, 00 2 030 And 00 2 040

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Disconnect pressure lines at point of separation II and seal with plugs. See 37 13 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINES FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/FRONT AXLE .

Remove tension struts.

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate (2).

Lower rear axle carrier (3).

Installation:

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

First install tension struts and then tighten down bolts (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ , see 33-AXLE MOUNTING .

Fig 2: Identifying Stop Plate And Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Version with Dynamic Drive:
- Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) .
- Check pipe connections for leaks
- If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .
Adjust handbrake . See 34 10 014 ADJUSTING HANDBRAKE .