33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW X3, 2016 BMW X3, 2015 BMW X3, 2014 BMW X3, and 2013 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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/removing rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS .
Detach BOTH SPRING STRUTS ON CAMBER LINK .
Release PROPELLER SHAFT ON REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL and tie up.
Detach BOTH BRAKE-CALIPER SUPPORTS and tie up.

Unlock plug connection on ride height sensor and disconnect.

Unclip cable for pulse sensor and ride height sensor/brake pad wear sensor on camber link/wheel carrier.

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 one another by gearing.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tools 31 5 253 In Telescopic Supports Of Profile Rail Pair

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Aligning Special Tools 31 5 251, 31 5 253 And 31 5 255 To Rear Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The jacking points on the left side are shown.

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

Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

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

Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to lash rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251 !

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 2AZ .

Release screws (2) and remove stop plate and compression strut.

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Lower rear axle support.

Installation note:

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

Replace screws (2).

Turn in all screws, first tightening screws (2) and then tightening screws (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Lower Rear Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.