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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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

WARNING: Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tilting or sliding off the vehicle hoist!
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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS .
Remove exhaust system . See 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N47 D16/20 K/U/O/T 1) , 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N20, N26) or 18 00 018 REMOVING AND REFITTING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N47 D20 O 1 WITH SCR)
If necessary, remove REAR TENSION STRUTS .
Remove propeller shaft at final drive . See 26 11 000 COMPLETELY REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED - REAR FLEXIBLE DISC) (WITHOUT VIBRATION ABSORBER) or 26 11 000 REMOVING AND REFITTING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT (PUSH-FIT - FLEXIBLE JOINT AT REAR) (WITH VIBRATION ABSORBER) .
Remove CAMBER ARM COVER .
Remove TANK COVER .
Remove COIL SPRINGS .
REMOVE BOTH BRAKE-CALIPER SUPPORTS and tie up.
Release SHOCK ABSORBER FROM CAMBER ARM .
Only on ride-height sensor at left: Disconnect plug connection and lay cable back toward vehicle.

Release wheel arch panel in rear area.

Unlock clamps, open cover and detach connector. (Left side identical.)

Fig 1: Locating Clamps

G10095626

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach Bowden cable (1) of parking brake from rear axle support.

Fig 2: Identifying Parking Brake Bowden Cable

G10095627

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 5 256 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 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 3: Aligning Special Tool (31 5 250) On Workshop Jack (00 2 030)

G04794597

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lash rear axle support with tensioning strap 33 5 206 to special tool 31 5 250.

Fig 4: Securing Tensioning Strap (33 5 206) To Special Tool (31 5 250)

G10095629

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The mounting points on the right side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 250, 31 5 253 and 31 5 256 with rear axle support.

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

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Fig 5: Supporting Rear Axle Support Using Workshop Jack (00 2 030)

G10095630

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove COMPRESSION STRUTS (1).

Release screws (2) and remove with thrust washer. (F34, F36-see next Fig 6)

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Lower rear axle support.

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELI-COIL THREAD INSERTS .

Screw in all screws, first tightening the COMPRESSION STRUTS (1) and then screws (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Compression Struts And Screws

G10095631

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

F34 and F36 only:

Unfasten screws (2).

Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ .

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Remove rear compression strut (3).

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Compression Strut And Screws

G10095632

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.