33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 040
33 4 491
33 4 492

WARNING: Danger to life!

Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Scalding hazard!

This work may only be carried out on an exhaust system which has cooled down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove both rear coil springs
E91, E92, E93: Remove tension strut

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

NOTE: The pedal support may only be released when the brake lines are reconnected.

This prevents brake fluid from emerging from the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

Fig 1: Clutch Pedal And Pedal Support

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Position an oil tray underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hoses are laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

For tightening torque refer to 34 32 1AZ in 34 32 BRAKE LINES .

Fig 2: Brake Hoses And Banjo Bolts

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Unclip cables for pulse generator and ride-height sensor/brake pad sensor on rear axle carrier at side.

Slacken nut (1).

Turn bracket (2) for exhaust system towards rear.

Unscrew heat shield.

Fig 3: Bracket And Nut

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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 4 491 and 33 4 492 into corresponding receptacle of special tool 00 2 040.

Align special tool 00 2 040 to rear axle carrier.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 4: Special Tools (33 4 491), (33 3 274), (00 2 040) And (33 4 492)

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Remove tension struts.

Release screws (1) and swivel/remove stop plates (2) to one side.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation:

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

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

For tightening torque refer to 33 33 1AZ in 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 5: Identifying Screws And Swivel/Remove Stop Plates

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After installation:

Bleed brakes