33 10 010 Removing And Installing/Replacing Rear Differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. 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!
M5, M6: After the running-in phase of 2000 km, it is essential to carry out a rear differential oil change.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft from rear differential
Remove output shaft (left) or output shaft (right) from rear differential at both ends and tie back

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 lifting platform

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

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates.
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 33 4 420

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws.

Fig 2: Locating Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, unclip scavenging air line and screw off bracket.

Release nut and pull out screw towards rear.

Slowly lower workshop jack and remove rear differential towards rear.

Fig 3: Locating Differential Towards Rear

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.
Insert bolts (1) (do not tighten down)
Insert bolt (2), replace and screw on nut (do not tighten down).
Lower workshop jack and place to one side
Tighten down screws (1)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ. .
Tighten down screw (2)
Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ. .

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Differential
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check rear differential oil level, correct if necessary