33 31 503 Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Carrier

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:

00 2 040
33 3 274
33 4 491
33 4 492

WARNING:

Scalding hazard!

This work may only be carried out on an exhaust system which has cooled down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove both rear coil springs. See 33 53 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT COIL SPRING
E91, E92, E93: Remove tension strut.

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

IMPORTANT: To prevent brake fluid from escaping from the expansion tank when the brake lines are opened, do not remove the pedal support until the brake lines have been reconnected.

Fig 1: Locating Clutch Pedal To Floor And Pedal Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position an oil tray underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hoses are laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque 34 32 1AZ. See 34 32 BRAKE LINES

Fig 2: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip cables for pulse generator and ride-height sensor/brake pad sensor on rear axle carrier at side.

Unscrew nut (1).

Turn bracket (2) for exhaust system towards rear.

Unscrew heat shield.

Fig 3: Locating Bracket For Exhaust System & Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Insert special tools 33 4 491 and 33 4 492 into corresponding receptacle of special tool 00 2 040 BASIC TAKE-UP FIXTURE .

Align special tool 00 2 040 BASIC TAKE-UP FIXTURE to rear axle carrier.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 040 BASIC TAKE-UP FIXTURE .

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 040), (33 3 274) & (33 4 491)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove tension struts.

Release screws (1) and swivel/remove stop plates (2) to one side.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Heli-coil thread inserts. See 33 00 ... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS

First install tension struts and then tighten down bolts (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ. See 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION

Fig 5: Identifying Stop Plate & Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Bleed brakes. See 34 00 050 BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM WITH DSC

IMPORTANT: If the pedal support is removed or slips before the brake lines are connected, it will be necessary to bleed the brake system at front and rear!