33 32 086 Removing and installing/replacing bottom left control arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the lower control arm is detached from the trailing arm, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEEL .
Remove shock absorber from trailing arm. See REPLACING REAR SHOCK ABSORBER or REPLACING REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (ADAPTIVE M SUSPENSION) .

WARNING:

Danger of injury!

Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform, which may result in critical injuries.

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

Mark position of eccentric screw (1) to lower control arm with center marks (2).

Replacement only: Carry over marking from old part to new part.

Fig 1: Identifying Mark Position Of Eccentric Screw With Center Marks On Lower Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the output shaft, it will be necessary to support the trailing arm with the workshop jack.

Support trailing arm from underneath using a workshop jack.

Spread cover on lower control arm and pull off.

Fig 2: Supporting Trailing Arm From Underneath Using Workshop Jack

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Opening in cover points upwards.

Release nut (1) and remove eccentric washer (2).

Remove eccentric screw towards front.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of eccentric screw.

Align eccentric screw by means of marking to lower control arm.

Fit eccentric washer (2).

Replace nut (1).

Tightening torque 33 32 3AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Eccentric Washer With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support rear differential with workshop jack (1).

Fig 4: Supporting Rear Differential Using Workshop Jack

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Release bolts (1) on rear axle differential at front and slide out towards rear until rear axle differential is exposed.

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Bolts On Rear Axle Differential

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Unfasten nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Tightening torque 33 17 2AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Differential Nut And Screw

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Release screw (2).

Installation:

Tighten bolt in normal position.

Tightening torque 33 32 4AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Screws

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Press rear differential (2) with tire iron (1) towards rear and unscrew bolt from control arm/rear axle carrier.

Remove bottom control arm.

Fig 8: Pressing Rear Differential Using Tire Iron

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Installation:

Weld seam of control arm must point upwards.

Fig 9: Locating Weld Seam Of Control Arm

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After installation:

Check that output shaft is correctly seated in rear differential.
Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK