33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier (M3, universal lifter)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030

See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

31 5 250
31 5 255
31 5 256

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS .

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.
Read and observe the information on permissible load distribution in the lifting platform operating instructions.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier.

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove both rear coil springs .
Remove rear muffler . See 18 12 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR MUFFLER (S65) .

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

NOTE: The pedal support may only be released when the brake lines are reconnected.

This prevents brake fluid from emerging from the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

Fig 1: Identifying Clutch Pedal Down To Floor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position an oil sump 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.

Slacken nut (1).

Release screws (2) and lay heat shield (3) on exhaust system.

Fig 3: Identifying Screws, Nut And Heat Shield

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools In Telescopic Supports

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 5: Supporting Rear Axle Carrier With Workshop Jack

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove compression struts (1).

Release screws (2) and remove stop plate.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts .

First install compression struts (1) and then tighten down screws (2).

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

Fig 6: Identifying Compression Struts And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Bleed braking system. See 34 00 050 BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM WITH DSC .