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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

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: Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle

In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Version with ARS:
Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Do not draw off hydraulic fluid (risk of contamination).
Close off line connections with seal plug. 32 1 270

Necessary preliminary tasks:

DISCONNECT BATTERY . (F01/F02/F04 with air spring)
UNCLIP CABLE FOR EMERGENCY RELEASE (EMF) from luggage compartment floor.
Remove REAR WHEELS .
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
F03 only: Remove underbody protection, side.
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATOR UNIT (EMF) .
If necessary, disconnect PRESSURE LINES FOR ARS in area of right compression strut. (F01/F02)
Unclip and disconnect cable for pulse sensor and brake pad wear sensor.
Remove and tie up BOTH BRAKE-CALIPER SUPPORTS AT WHEEL CARRIER .

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with integral active steering:

Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) from steering.

Release screw (2) and remove grounding cable.

Tightening torque 33 34 4AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Active Steering Plug Connections And Screws

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Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 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: Identifying Special Tools

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Version without ARS and integral active steering:

The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tool 31 5 255 to opening in rear axle support.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 255) And (31 5 253) In Aligned Position

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

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 strap 31 5 251 !

Version with ARS and integral active steering:

Schematic diagram of the rear mounting point (left side) for special tool 31 5 253

The front mounting point for special tool 31 5 255 is identical - version without ARS.

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 strap 31 5 251 !

Fig 5: Supporting Rear Mounting Point (Left Side) Using Special Tool (31 5 253)

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F03 only:

Remove FRONT COMPRESSION STRUTS (1).

Remove rear compression struts (2) and carefully lower rear axle support.

Fig 6: Identifying Front And Rear Compression Struts

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Release screws (4).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Remove FRONT COMPRESSION STRUTS (3).

Carefully lower rear axle support approx. 5 cm.

Installation note:

Arrow (1) on stop plate (2) must point in direction of travel!

Fig 7: Identifying Front Compression Struts, Stop Plate And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove both rear spring struts from wheel carrier. See REAR LEFT/RIGHT SPRING STRUT or REAR LEFT/RIGHT AIR SUSPENSION STRUT .

Afterwards the rear axle support can be removed.