33 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Reinstall shim (1).
Use only REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS !

Fig 1: Identifying Shim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove STABILIZER
Remove output shaft from rear differential at both ends . See 3321001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT or 3321002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT and tie back
Remove PROPELLER SHAFT FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL and tie back

WARNING: Danger to life!
Car may tilt off lifting platform if the workshop jack is incorrectly handled.
After 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

Remove COMPRESSION STRUT and insert bolts for rear axle carrier at front until contact is made.

Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420.

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates (1).
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates (1) are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Fig 2: Identifying Gap Between Special Tool (33 4 420) And Dust Plates

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws.

Fig 3: Locating Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Unscrew bolt to center of car; if necessary, remove spacer.

Slowly lower workshop jack and tip rear differential out towards rear.

Fig 4: Removing Spacer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the following installation sequence in order to prevent distortion of the rear differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Installation sequence:

Install rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down)
Insert bolt (2); if necessary, fit spacer
Replace and screw on nut (3) (do not tighten down)
Lower workshop jack
Install COMPRESSION STRUT
Tighten down screws (1)

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

Tighten down screw (2)

Tightening torque 33 17 2AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Rear Differential Screws And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Check REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL LEVEL , correct if necessary