33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

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 REAR WHEELS .
Remove cross reinforcement. (F12)
Remove exhaust system. Refer to:
For N55: 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N55) .

For N52T 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N52T) .

For N63: 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N63) .

For N57 D30 0 1: 18 00 018 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N57 D30 O 1) .

For S63 B44 T 0: 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (S63 B44 T 0) .
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE .
Unclip and disconnect cable for pulse sensor and brake pad wear sensor.
Remove and tie up BOTH BRAKE-CALIPER SUPPORTS AT WHEEL CARRIER .
REMOVE BOTH SPRING STRUTS FROM WHEEL CARRIER .

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Remove cable holder (1) on toe arm.

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 2: Identifying Cable Holder On Toe Arm

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Version with integral active steering:

Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) from steering.

Release screw (2) and remove grounding cable.

Tightening torque 33 34 4AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connections And Screw

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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 4: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version without ARS and integral active steering:

The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tool 31 5 255 to opening in rear axle support.

Align special tool 31 5 253 to cross member arms on rear axle support.

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 !

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools To Open Rear Axle Support And Cross-Member Arms

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Version with ARS and integral active steering:

Schematic diagram of the rear mounting point (left side) for special tool 31 5 253

The front mounting point for special tool 31 5 255 is identical - version without ARS.

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 !

Fig 6: Supporting Rear Mounting Point (Left Side) Using Special Tool (31 5 253)

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IMPORTANT: Pay attention to ARS hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (4).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

REMOVE FRONT COMPRESSION STRUT (3) .

Carefully lower rear axle support.

Installation note:

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

Fig 7: Identifying Stop Plate, Compression Strut And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.