Remove rear axle differential

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants maybe installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

Removing the rear axle differential (without GHAS)

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear axle differential.
If the rear axle differential drops down, persons can be injured or the rear axle differential can be damaged.

Secure the rear axle differential using a luggage strap.

Attach the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) to the special tool 0 490 133 (00 2 030).
Support the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).
Secure the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 080 (33 5 206) on the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).

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Loosen nut (1) on the rear axle support at rear.

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Pull the bolt (1) out of the rear axle support.

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Loosen screw (1).

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NOTE: The following step(s) must be performed if the listed component(s) is/are installed.
Loosen nut (1).
Remove the ground strap (2).

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Loosen screws (1) rear axle support at front.

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Lower the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).
Twist the rear axle differential (1) towards the right and in this process, pull out the right-hand output shaft (2).
Pull the left output shaft (3) out.
Tie up the output shafts (2) and (3).
Completely lower the rear axle differential (1) and remove.

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- Removing the rear axle differential (with GHAS)
NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear axle differential.
If the rear axle differential drops down, persons can be injured or the rear axle differential can be damaged.
- Secure the rear axle differential using a luggage strap.
Loosen screws (1).
Remove the heat shield (2).

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Unlock and disconnect the plug connections (1) and (2).
Release cable from holder (3).

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Attach the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) to the special tool 0 490 133 (00 2 030).
Support the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).
Secure the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 080 (33 5 206) on the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).

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Loosen nut (1) on the rear axle support at rear.

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Pull the bolt (1) out of the rear axle support.

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Loosen screw (1).

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NOTE: The following step(s) must be performed if the listed component(s) is/are installed.
Release nut (1).
Remove the ground strap (2).

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Loosen screws (1) on rear axle support at front.

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Lower the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).
Twist the rear axle differential (1) towards the right and in this process, pull out the right-hand output shaft (2).
Pull the left output shaft (3) out.
Tie up the output shafts (2) and (3).
Completely lower the rear axle differential (1) and remove.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.