33 32 071 Replacing One Upper Control Arm

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.

IMPORTANT: The control arm to wheel carrier connection has been changed from a conical seat to a ball seat! Spare parts are offered for both variants.
To ensure a correct bolt connection, check before installing the control arm whether the seat for the control arm matches the seat for the wheel carrier.

Variants:

Conical seat
Ball seat

Fig 1: Identifying Conical Seat And Ball Seat
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NOTE: If the control arm is detached from the rear axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel.
E61: Deactivate and empty air spring system

Shown on vehicle at rear right:

Unclip line for pulse generator (1) from holder (2).

Only on right side: Unclip line for brake pad wear sensor (3) from holder (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Pulse Generator And Holder

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Unscrew nut (1).

Remove control arm at top from wheel carrier.

Installation:

Keep control arm to wheel carrier connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 32 8AZ. .

Fig 3: Identifying Control Arm From Wheel Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut (1).

Pull out bolt (2) and remove control arm.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of screw.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 32 14AZ. .

Fig 4: Removing Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Unclip holder on control arm.

After installation:

E61: Activate and fill air suspension system
Perform chassis alignment check