33 32 064 Removing and installing/replacing left or right swinging arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the swinging arm is detached from the integral link/wheel carrier or rear axle support, it will be necessary to carry out wheel alignment . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD after reinstallation.

Necessary preliminary work

Remove REAR WHEEL.
Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Remove STABILISER LINK FROM SWINGING ARM.
Remove INTEGRAL LINK FROM SWINGING ARM
Remove left or right TENSION STRUT

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 5AZ

Remove jointed rod (2) from swinging arm.

Installation note:

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride height sensor to respective rear wheel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 1: Identifying Sensor Lever, Jointed Rod And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Remove bolt (2) towards rear.

Tightening torque 33 32 3AZ

Installation note:

Replace nut.

Fig 2: Identifying Swinging Arm Bolt And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark position of eccentric adjustment washer to rear axle support to simplify subsequent adjustment of rear axle.

Release nut (1) and remove eccentric washer (see magnified area). Pull out eccentric bolt (2).

Tightening torque 33 32 2AZ

Installation note:

Note direction of insertion of eccentric bolt (2).

Align eccentric bolt (2) by means of marking to rear axle support.

Reinstall eccentric washer (see magnified area).

Fig 3: Identifying Swinging Arm Eccentric Bolts And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace nut.

Tighten down bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION.

Release nut (3) and remove bolt (4).

Tightening torque 33 32 1AZ

Installation note:

Replace nut.

Tighten down bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION.

After installation

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM
Check output shaft for correct seating in final drive.
Carry out wheel alignment procedure . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .