33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (universal lifter)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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 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:

REMOVE both rear wheels.
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
REMOVE both trailing links.
F12: remove support.
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .

For this purpose: Remove heat shield

Unlock the plug connection (1) from the ride height sensor and disconnect.

Release the sensor cable (2) from the rear axle support.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection And Sensor Cable

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Disconnect the plug connection (1) from the EMF actuator.

Detach the cable from cable clips (2) and (3).

NOTE: Graphic shows the right-hand side; the procedure for the left hand-side is identical.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Cable Clips

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Open the lid (1) in the wheel arch.

NOTE: Graphic shows the right-hand side; the procedure for the left hand-side is identical.

Fig 3: Opening Lid In Wheel Arch

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Disconnect plugs (1) and (2).

Release the cable from the cable clip (3).

NOTE: Graphic shows the right-hand side; the procedure for the left hand-side is identical.

Left side without connector for brake wear indicator.

Fig 4: Identifying Plugs And Cable Clip

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Release the cable for the brake pad wear sensor (2) from the cable clip (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Brake Pad Wear Sensor And Cable Clip

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Disconnect the plug connection (3) from the temperature sensor for the rear axle differential.

Release the cable clip (2) of the sensor cable (1) from the oil sump.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connection, Sensor Cable And Clip

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Disconnect the plug connection (1) from the servomotor of the rear axle differential (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Plug Connection And Rear Axle Differential

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Release the EMF actuator cable (1) from the rear axle support.

NOTE: Graphic shows the right-hand side; the procedure for the left hand-side is identical.

Release the wiring harness (2) to the rear axle differential from the axle support.

Fig 8: Identifying EMF Actuator Cable And Wiring Harness

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 34 21 2AZ .

Release the brake caliper (2) with the brake anchor plate from the brake disc and tie it up.

Do not allow brake caliper to hang from brake hose!

Fig 9: Identifying Brake Caliper And Screws
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Release the screw (1) on the spring strut (2) on the left and right.

Tightening torque 33 52 3AZ .

Release the spring strut (2) from the wheel carrier (3).

Fig 10: Identifying Shock Absorber, Wheel Carrier And Bolt

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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 11: Identifying Special Tools

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Mount the special tool 31 5 250 , 31 5 253 , 33 5 255 on the mounting points of the rear axle.

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 250)

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Release screws (1) and (2).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Carefully lower rear axle support.

Fig 13: Identifying Lower Rear Axle Support Screws

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Installation note:

Align the stop plate (1) with the anti-roll bar.

The arrow (2) on the stop plate (1) must point in the direction of travel.

Fig 14: Aligning Stop Plate

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