33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L, 2015 BMW Alpina B7, 2015 BMW 750i, 2015 BMW 750Li, and 2015 BMW 740i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 INSTRUCTIONS on raising the vehicle.

In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect BATTERY (vehicles with air spring)
Unclip CABLE FOR EMERGENCY RELEASE (EMF) from luggage compartment floor.
Remove REAR WHEELS
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM
Remove and tie back PROPELLER SHAFT on rear axle final drive
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATOR UNIT (EMF)
Unclip and disconnect cable for pulse sensor and brake pad wear sensor.
Remove and tie up BOTH BRAKE-CALIPER SUPPORTS at wheel carrier

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

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 2: Identifying Active Steering Plug Connections And Screws

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 each by toothing.

Fig 3: Inserting Special Tools (31 5 255) In Telescopic Supports Of Profile Rail Pair

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 with opening in rear suspension subframe.

Align special tool 31 5 253 with cross-member arms on rear suspension subframe.

IMPORTANT:

The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to tie the rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 .

Fig 4: Aligning Rear Suspension Subframe Using Special Tool (31 5 255) And (31 5 253)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with ARS and integral active steering:

Schematic diagram of rear mounting point (link side) for special tool 31 5 253 .

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

IMPORTANT:

The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to tie the rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 .

Fig 5: Schematic Diagram Of Rear Mounting Point For 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/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (4).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Remove FRONT COMPRESSION STRUTS (3).

Carefully lower rear axle carrier.

Installation note:

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

Fig 6: Identifying Arrow, Front Compression Strut, Screws And Stop Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove BOTH REAR SPRING STRUTS FROM WHEEL CARRIER .

Following this, the rear axle support can be lowered.