3331503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (SWZ00-2040)

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

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
If necessary, remove tension strut (s)

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: Pressing Brake Pedal Down

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).

Turn bracket (2) for exhaust system towards rear.

Release sheet nut and bolts (arrows).

Place heat shield on exhaust system.

Fig 3: Locating Sheet Nut And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 33 4 491 and 33 4 492 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Inserting Special Tools 33 4 491 And 33 4 492 Into Special Tool 00 2 040

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Align special tools 33 4 491 and 33 4 492 to rear axle carrier.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools 33 4 491 And 33 4 492 On Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove COMPRESSION STRUTS (1).

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

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 .

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Axle Carrier Compression Strut With Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Bleed BRAKING SYSTEM