33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle carrier

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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.
Read and observe the information on load distribution in the Owner's Handbook, lifting platform.
Before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier, it is essential to place a minimum load of 100 kg in the luggage compartment to prevent the vehicle from toppling/slipping off the lifting platform!

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 lifting platform

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove PROPELLER SHAFT FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL and tie back
Remove rear axle STABILIZER

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Brake hose must not be exposed to tensile loads.

Release screws (1) and remove brackets.

Tightening torque 34 32 4AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Screws

G06910283

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection for right BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .

Disconnect plug connection for PULSE GENERATOR on both sides.

Disconnect plug connection on RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR .

Release output shafts . See 3321001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT or 3321002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT from rear differential.

Release shock absorber . See 3712131 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (ADAPTIVE M SUSPENSION) or 3352000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER on trailing arm.

Remove COIL SPRINGS at rear.

Disconnect plug connection from brake anchor plate and unclip cable from trailing arm.

Release brake caliper on brake anchor plate.

Guide brake caliper through between output shaft and lower control arm and tie up.

Remove BEARING BLOCK FOR TRAILING ARM FROM BODY .

Fig 2: Identifying Bearing Block Of Trailing Arm

G06910289

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support rear axle carrier with workshop jack and special tool 31 5 250.

IMPORTANT: Danger of injury:
Position support (1) at rear on rear axle carrier.
Position support (2) in bore at front on rear axle carrier.

Fig 3: Supporting Rear Axle Carrier Using Workshop Jack And Special Tool (31 5 250)

G06910284

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Release nuts (2) and remove tension strut.

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Lower rear axle carrier slowly.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Fig 4: Identifying Tension Strut Nut And Screws

G06910285

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check threaded pin for damage, replace if necessary.

Tightening torque 33 33 2AZ .

Fig 5: Locating Threaded Pin

G06910286

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK