33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

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: 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.

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 INFORMATION for raising the vehicle

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

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 .
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATOR UNIT (EMF) .
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

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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 open the rear axle support.

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.
Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to tie the rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 .

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

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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.

Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to tie the rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 .

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

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IMPORTANT: Pay attention to ARS hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

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

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

Following this, the rear axle support can be lowered.