Remove front differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2025 BMW X4, 2024 BMW X4, 2023 BMW X4, 2022 BMW X4, and 2021 BMW X4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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: MOVING THE ENGINE TO THE 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 THE 48 V ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to DEACTIVATING 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 THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEELS .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER PANEL FOR THE FRONT AXLE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEAL FOR THE HOOD REAR .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE FIREWALL UPPER PART .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING ACOUSTIC COVER AT REAR .
Refer to REMOVING ALL IGNITION COILS .
Refer to REMOVING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
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 RIGHT FRONT-END STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to REMOVING RESONATOR .
Refer to MOVING THE ENGINE TO THE INSTALLATION POSITION .
Refer to DETACHING STEERING SHAFT AT BOTTOM FROM STEERING GEAR .
Refer to RELEASING THE EPS WIRING HARNESS FROM THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR .
Refer to DETACHING THE LINE CONNECTION OF THE RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR .
Refer to IF INSTALLED: DISCONNECTING THE VACUUM LINE OF THE ENGINE MOUNTS .
Refer to RELEASING THE ELECTRIC COOLANT PUMP AND COOLANT HOSES FROM THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to DETACHING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM THE ANTI-ROLL BAR ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT .
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 TENSION STRUTS FROM THE SWIVEL BEARING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Refer to PREPARING THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to SUPPORTING THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to SECURING THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT AT THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to RELEASING AND REMOVING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to DETACHING THE ACOUSTIC COVER FROM THE OIL SUMP .
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 location of screws (1) and (2) .
- Bolts (1) M12x55
- Bolt (2) M12x105
Loosen screws (1) and (2) .
Remove front differential (3) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.