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Axle Carrier Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 42 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, and 2005 BMW 330Ci. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels.
  2. Remove cross brace, if necessary. See Fig 1.
  3. On M3, remove V-strut. On compacts, remove inflatable spare tire holder.
  4. On all models, remove drive shaft. See FRONT/REAR DRIVE AXLE - REPAIR (2WD & 4WD) and PROPELLER SHAFT - REPAIR - E46 .
  5. Remove both coil springs. See COIL SPRING .
  6. Remove tension strut. See TENSION STRUT .
  7. Disconnect handbrake cables from handbrake lever and pull out of rear axle carrier. See appropriate article in BRAKES.
  8. Release screw on holder of brake line on left and right. See Fig 2.
  9. Remove shock absorbers on left and right. Support trailing arm with a lifter (1). Release bolt and lower lift. See Fig 3.
  10. Mark position of left and right eccentric bolts (1) to control arm with center marks (2). This simplifies subsequent camber adjustment. See Fig 4.
  11. Release nut (1) on trailing arm on left and right and remove eccentric bolt. See Fig 5.
  12. Disconnect ABS plug and brake pad wear sensor. Unscrew brake calipers, push them in between axle shaft and control arm and suspend from car with a piece of wire. See appropriate article in BRAKES.
  13. Mark position of bearing pedestal (1) to body (2) with colored mark (3) on left and right. This simplifies subsequent toe-in adjustment. Unfasten screws. See Fig 6.
  14. Prepare transmission lifter with special tool (33 4 390). Detach snap rings, withdraw pin and remove adjusting plate (1). See Fig 7.
  15. Support final drive with transmission lifter and special tool (33 4 390). Observe distance between special tool (33 4 390) and dust protection sleeve (1). If the dust protection sleeve (1) is damaged or bent, it may come into contact with the flange. This will cause noise. See Fig 8.
    16. CAUTION: No one should be allowed to stand underneath rear axle carrier.
  16. Unfasten screws. See Fig 9.
  17. Lower transmission lifter.
Fig 1: Removing Tension Strut
G00165478Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Locating Screw Of Brake Line Holder
G00165479Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Removing Shock Absorber
G00165480Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Marking Position Of Eccentric Bolts
G00165481Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 5: Removing Eccentric Bolt
G00165482Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 6: Marking Position Of Bearing Pedestal
G00165483Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 7: Preparing Transmission Lifter
G00165484Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 8: Supporting Final Drive
G00165485Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 9: Locating Rear Axle Carrier Screws
G00165486Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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