Removing and installing rear axle differential (AWD) (X2 xDrive 28i 2018-2023, X2 M35i 2019-2022)

Special tools required: 

• 2 358 630 
• 23 4 150
• 2 406 773
• 33 5 120
• 0 496 862
• 33 5 122
• 2 406 774

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Necessary preliminary work: 

• Refer to REMOVING RIGHT REAR WHEEL .
• Refer to REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Remove heat shields. Refer to REMOVING FRONT HEAT SHIELD , and REMOVING HEAT SHIELD AT REAR , and REMOVING HEAT SHIELD AT UPPER EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER .
• Refer to REMOVE AND TIE BACK PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
• Refer to REMOVING RIGHT TANK COVER .
• Refer to REMOVING RIGHT COIL SPRING .

Removal: 

Unfasten screws (1).

Remove cover (2).

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Disconnect connector (1).

Loosen cable (2) from control unit holder.

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Secure special tool 2 358 630  with wheel studs to drive flange.

Press wheel hub upward with special tool 2 358 630  and workshop jack.

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Support the rear axle differential (1) with the universal jack and special tool 23 4 150.

Secure rear axle differential against falling out with tensioning strap (2).

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Insert support tool 2 406 773 into the bore hole on the rear axle differential.

Press the left and right output shafts with the special tool 33 5 120 and shaped element 0 496 862 with jerky movements from the rear axle differential.

• Position the thrust piece of screw 33 5 122 on support tool 2 406 773.

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Release screw (1) of rear axle differential.

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Undo screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

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Lower rear axle differential (1).

Feed output shafts out of differential by shifting rear axle differential sideways.

Remove rear axle final drive.

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Do not allow output shafts (1) to hang in the joints.

Tie up the output shafts (1).

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Installation: 

Replace RADIAL SHAFT SEALS OF LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFTS .

Replace circlip of output shafts.

Parts:  Circlips

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Fold open installation protection rings (1) on left and right.

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Feed output shafts (1) into the differential on the left and right by shifting the rear axle differential to the side.

After feeding in the output shafts, pull the tab (3) of the installation protection ring until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives way.

Pull out the installation protection rings (3) and dispose of them.

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Raise rear axle differential (1).

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Tighten screw (1) of rear axle differential by hand.

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Tighten screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 3AZ .

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Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

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Drive output shafts with special tool 2 406 774 and a rubber mallet into rear axle differential.

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Lower workshop jack.

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Secure cable (2) on control unit holder.

Connect connector (1) to control unit.

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Position cover (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 31 8AZ .

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Required follow-up work: 

• Refer to INSTALLING RIGHT COIL SPRING .
• Refer to INSTALLING RIGHT TANK COVER .
• Refer to INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
• Install heat shields. Refer to INSTALLING FRONT HEAT SHIELD , and INSTALLING THE REAR HEAT SHIELD , and INSTALLING THE HEAT SHIELD ON THE EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER, TOP .
• Refer to INSTALLING THE COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Refer to INSTALLING THE REAR WHEEL ON THE RIGHT .
• Refer to CHECKING OIL LEVEL IN THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL , correct if necessary.