33 10 010 Removing and Installing/Replacing Rear Differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 4 420

IMPORTANT: Use only approved rear differential oils!

NOTE: The following sequence was created using the E87 with N45 as an example. Differences in detail (e.g. due to vibration damper) in other engines are possible. See 33 10 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING VIBRATION DAMPER

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft from rear differential. See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY
Remove output shaft from rear differential at both ends and tie back. See 33 21 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT and/or 33 21 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT

WARNING:

Danger of injury!

Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

When supporting components, make sure that

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lift platform

IMPORTANT:

Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 SUPPORT and dust plates.

To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 SUPPORT .

Release screws (1).

Release nut (2) and remove screw towards rear.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear differential towards rear.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 420)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the following installation sequence in order to prevent distortion of the rear differential during installation and thereby avoid potential complaints about noise.

Installation sequence:

Install rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 SUPPORT .
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down)
Insert screw from rear and replace nut (2) (do not tighten down)
Lower workshop jack
Tighten screws (1)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ. See 33 17 REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTINGS

Fig 2: Identifying Special Toll (33 4 420)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Tighten nut (2)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ. See 33 17 REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTINGS

After installation:

Check rear differential oil level, correct if necessary. See 00 11 ... CHECKING/TOPPING UP OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL