33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

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Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Before lowering rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load luggage compartment with sand bags.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Expose CABLE PULL FOR THE EMERGENCY RELEASE UP TO THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT . (F07)
Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Remove REAR WHEELS .
Remove PROPELLER SHAFT on the rear axle.
Remove CROSS REINFORCEMENT .
Remove SHOCK ABSORBER at the swinging arm.
Unlock and disconnect the PLUG CONNECTION AT THE ACTUATOR UNIT (EMF) . (F07)
Remove and tie up BOTH BRAKE CALIPERS AT THE WHEEL CARRIER .
Unclip cables for pulse sensor and brake pad wear sensor from the brackets.
Unlock and disconnect plug connection at both ride height sensors.

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 1: Inserting Special Tools 31 5 255 In Telescopic Supports Of Profile Rail Pairs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 2: Aligning Special Tools To Open Rear Axle Support And Cross-Member Arms

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.
Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to lash rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 !

Release screws (4).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Installation note:

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

Remove FRONT TENSION STRUTS (3) and carefully lower rear axle carrier.

Fig 3: Identifying Front Tension Struts, Arrow On Stop Plate, And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM
ADJUST PARKING BRAKE (only F07).