Remove front differential

WARNING: Heavy component falling down or tipping.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Before lowering or removing the front axle: Securing engine to the installation position.
For additional information see: SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .

WARNING: Car may slip off the vehicle hoist where components are supported.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Secure the vehicle hoist against lowering and lifting.
Make sure that the vehicle does not lift off the mounting plates on the vehicle lift.

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT .

WARNING: Car may slip off the vehicle hoist if the weight is distributed unevenly.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Ensure specific weight compensation on the vehicle.

Preliminary work

Refer to DEACTIVATING VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to MOVING THE HOOD TO THE SERVICE POSITION .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE REAR LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE REAR RIGHT ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEAL FOR THE HOOD REAR .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE TOP RIGHT AND LEFT COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING MOUNT OF HOOD SEAL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING SUSPENSION STRUT BRACE .
Refer to REMOVING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to REMOVING ALL IGNITION COILS .
Refer to REMOVING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEELS .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT SECTION OF THE FRONT WHEEL ARCH COVER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR SECTION OF THE BRAKE AIR DUCT ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR SECTION OF THE WHEEL ARCH COVER ON THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE WHEEL ARCH COVER ON THE FRONT LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT .
Refer to DETACHING THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE EPS FROM THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to RELEASING THE DOUBLE PIVOT FROM STEERING GEAR .
Refer to DETACHING COOLANT HOSES FROM THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to RELEASING THE RIGHT AND LEFT TIE ROD FROM THE SWIVEL BEARING .
Refer to RELEASING THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT FROM WHEEL BEARING .
Refer to RELEASING WISHBONE ON RIGHT AND LEFT FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Refer to RELEASING THE LEFT AND RIGHT TENSION STRUT FROM WHEEL GUIDE JOINT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Refer to MOVE THE ENGINE TO THE MOUNTING ORIENTATION .
Refer to DETACHING THE LINE CONNECTION OF THE RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR .
Refer to DETACHING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM THE ANTI-ROLL BAR ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT .
Refer to RELEASING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES FROM THE HOLDER .
Refer to PREPARING THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to SUPPORTING THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT SUBFRAME .
Refer to RELEASING FRONT PROP SHAFT FROM FRONT DIFFERENTIAL .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Mark the installation locations of the screws (1) and (2) .
Screw (1) : M12x105

Screws (2) : M12x55
Loosen screws (1) and (2) .
Remove front differential (3) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.