Remove rear axle differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Unintentionally applying the parking brake
Injury hazard!

On vehicles with "Remote Engine Start" (SA1CR):
Starting the engine while working on the braking system is strictly forbidden. When starting the engine via "Remote Engine Start", the parking brake is automatically applied.
Deactivate the function "Remote Engine Start".
Open the hood before working on the braking system. This prevents the engine from being started.

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: 00... RAISE THE VEHICLE USING A VEHICLE LIFT .

CAUTION: Effects on other persons.
Injury hazard! Risk of damage!

Make sure that no other persons are in or around the vehicle.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear axle differential.
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the rear axle differential.

After completion of repair work, check the transmission oil level in the rear axle differential.
Use only the approved final drive transmission oil.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
To remove the rear axle differential, you must lower the rear axle support.
To prevent lowering more than the predefined dimension, you have to replace the installed screws on the rear axle support with repair screws and washers.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Before first working on the DSCi brake (integrated brake), the "DSCi" web-based training must be passed successfully.
The "DSCi" web-based training is started in the Learning Management System (TMSi).

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
After a brake pad exchange and before pressing the brake pedal: It is imperative to apply the electromechanical parking brake.
If this is not observed, a CC message appears and the brake system switches to the emergency program. The brake booster is no longer active.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
During work on the rear brake, it must be ensured that the button for the electromechanical parking brake cannot be pressed.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Perform wheel alignment after installation.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT WHEELS .
Refer to RELEASING THE OUTPUT SHAFT, RIGHT, FROM THE WHEEL BEARING .
Refer to RELEASING CABLE FROM THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to REMOVING THE CONNECTING SUPPORT FROM THE TUNNEL .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT THRUST FIELDS AND THE TORSION STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to RELEASING THE PROP SHAFT FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE PADS .
Refer to TENSIONING THE RIGHT COIL SPRING .
Refer to DETACHING THE BOTTOM WISHBONE AND THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM FROM THE RIGHT WHEEL CARRIER .
Refer to RELEASING THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFTS FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Refer to PREPARING THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to LOWERING REAR AXLE SUPPORT .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to PREPARING THE SPECIAL TOOL .

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.

Release nut (1).
Release ground cable (2) from the rear axle differential.