Removing and installing complete rear axle support (FWD) (X2 sDrive 28i 2018-2023)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2023 BMW X2, 2022 BMW X2, 2021 BMW X2, 2020 BMW X2, and 2019 BMW X2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 5 251
00 2 030
31 5 255
31 5 253

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!
Make sure when supporting components that

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform.

CAUTION: Before lowering/removing rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATIONS for raising the vehicle

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

Necessary preliminary work:

Refer to REMOVING THE REAR WHEELS .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH THE REAR COIL SPRINGS .

After removing the coil springs, position the left and right shock absorber (2) on the trailing arm.

Tighten screw (1) hand-tight.

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Removal:

Press brake pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

NOTE: The pedal support may only be released when the brake lines are reconnected.
This prevents brake fluid from emerging from the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

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Remove heat shield (1).

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Unlock and disconnect the connector (1).

Release cable (3) on left and right from the cable clip (2).

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Only for rear ride height sensor:

Disconnect connector (1).

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Release hollow nut (2).

Disconnect brake hose (1) on left and right from the brake line.

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Disconnect left and right plug connections (1) of the pulse sensor.

To do so, partially release the wheel arch trim panels.

Disengage cable from holders (2).

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Right side only:

Detach the brake pad wear sensor from the brackets (2) as an additional measure.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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Support the rear axle support (1) using the universal jack (2).

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Release screws (1) from rear axle support (2).

Lower rear axle support.

Lower the universal jack and put it away.

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Connect the special tool 31 5 251 with the help of an auxiliary person completely on the universal jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in the telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of the other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

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Align the special tool 31 5 251, 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to the rear axle support.

Support the rear axle support by operating the universal jack 00 2 030 .

Secure the trailing arm (rear axle support) on the special tool 31 5 251 using tensioning straps (1).

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Release left and right shock absorber (2) from trailing arm by unscrewing screw (1).

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Release screws (2) on left and right trailing arm bearing support (1).

Lower rear axle support.

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Installation:

Position rear axle support on vehicle.

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Tighten screws (2) on left and right trailing arm bearing support (1).

Replace screws (2).

Tightening torque 33 32 5AZ .

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Position left and right shock absorber (2) on trailing arm.

Tighten screw (1) hand-tight.

Loosen and remove tensioning straps. Release the universal jack 00 2 030 with the special tool 31 5 251 and put it away.

Installation note:

The screw (1) is tightened to tightening torque after installation of the coil spring.

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Lift the rear axle support (1) using the universal jack (2).

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Tighten screws (1) on rear axle support (2).

Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ .

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Attach the cable from pulse generator in the brackets (2) left and right.

Connect plug connection (1).

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Right side only:

Attach brake pad wear sensor cable in the brackets (2).

Connect plug connection (1).

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Position the brake hose (1).

CAUTION: Do not twist the brake hose!

Tighten the brake line by means of the hollow nut (2).

See TIGHTENING TORQUE .

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Only for rear ride height sensor:

Insert connector (1) on ride height sensor.

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Insert connector (1) and lock.

Secure cable (3) on left and right using the cable clips (2).

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Install heat shield (1).

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Release pedal support.

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Required follow-up work:

Refer to INSTALLING BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS .
Refer to INSTALLING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to INSTALLING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to INSTALLING REAR WHEELS
Refer to FLUSHING AND BLEEDING THE REAR AXLE BRAKE CIRCUIT .
Carry out wheel alignment procedure. Refer to KINEMATICS DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOADING THE VEHICLE .