33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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 . See 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N63) or 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 Axle Support 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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Steering Plug Connections And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Inserting Special Tools (31 5 253) In Telescopic Supports

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 Tool (31 5 253) To Cross Member Arms

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 253)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to ARS hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioner/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 Front Compression Strut, Stop Plate And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.