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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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.

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

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 Brake Tensioner

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 .

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Hoses And Banjo Bolts

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 Heat Shield On Exhaust System With Nut And Screws

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

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: Inserting Special Tools 31 5 255 In Telescopic Supports Of Profile Rail Pair

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 DEVICE .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools 31 5 255 And 31 5 256 To Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove COMPRESSION STRUTS (1).

Release screws (2) and remove stop plate.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Fig 6: Identifying Compression Struts And Plate Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .

After installation

Bleed BRAKING SYSTEM