33 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

33 4 420

IMPORTANT: Use only approved oils for rear axle final drive. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

NOTE: The following procedure was created using the E90 with N55 as an example.
Differences in detail (e.g. due to VIBRATION ABSORBER ) in other engines are possible.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove trailing link. (E88/93 only).
Lower rear exhaust system.
Completely remove EXHAUST SYSTEM (2-FLOW) . (Only E9x with N54/N55/N57/M57)
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .
Remove and tie back OUTPUT SHAFT ON BOTH SIDES OF REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .

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

Support rear axle final drive with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .

Release screws (1).

Release nut (2) and remove screw towards rear.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear axle final drive towards rear.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Axle Nut And Mounting Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the following installation sequence in order to prevent distortion of the rear axle final drive during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Installation sequence

Install rear axle final drive using workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .
Insert screws (1) (do not tighten).
Insert screw from rear and replace nut (2) (do not tighten).
Lower workshop jack.
Tighten down screws (1).
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .
Tighten nut (2).
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

Fig 2: Installing Rear Axle Final Drive Using Workshop Jack
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check FINAL DRIVE OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary.

Applies only to all-wheel drive vehicles:

Replacement only:

With BMW diagnosis and information system under
- Control unit functions
  Perform function check of transfer box (calibration)