33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle support

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

WARNING: Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the vehicle hoist and critically injuring other persons.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support.
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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Observe SAFETY INFORMATIONS for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS .
Tension both coil springs (and leave on vehicle).
Remove PROPELLER SHAFT .
Expose CABLE PULL FOR THE EMERGENCY RELEASE UP TO THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT .
Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON ACTUATOR UNIT (EMF) .
Unclip the cable for pulse sensor, brake pad wear sensor or shock absorber from the holders above the rear axle support.
Disconnect plug connection at both ride height sensors.
Remove BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS AT THE WHEEL CARRIER (undo clamps for brake hose).

Version with self-levelling suspension:

Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to dismantle the lower section of the air spring (1).

Fig 1: Tilting Lower Section Of Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Installation note:

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

NOTE: The picture shows the plug connections on the right side on a vehicle with Vertical Dynamics Management (VDM).

Partially detach REAR WHEEL ARCH COVER .

Only on right side: Disconnect plug connection (1) for brake pad wear sensor and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Disconnect plug connection (2) for pulse sensor and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Disconnect both plug connections (3) for the shock absorbers and expose cable up to the wishbone.

Press brake 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 3: Locating Brake Pedal Support

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Position an oil sump underneath to catch brake fluid.

Undo retaining screw (1), in the process counter brake hoses (2) at the square head.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with seal plugs.

Installation note:

Ensure tension-free routing of the brake hose and sufficient distance to neighboring components.

Tightening torque 34 32 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Counter Supporting Brake Hoses

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 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

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

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools 31 5 250, 00 2 030, 31 5 253 And 31 5 256

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The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tool 31 5 256 to opening in rear axle support.

Align special tool 31 5 253 to crossmember arms on rear axle support.

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

Fig 6: Aligning Special Tool (31 5 253) To Cross Member Arms On Rear Axle Support

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IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.
Tie down rear axle support 33 5 206 to the special tool using a tensioning strap 31 5 250 !

Version with ARS:

Remove RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING (REAR SECTION) .

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to control lines (2) when lowering and raising. Hydraulic lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release retaining screw (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 15AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Control Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle support. See FRONT COMPRESSION STRUT and REAR COMPRESSION STRUT .

NOTE: The rear compression strut will be discontinued in vehicles as of production date 03/2013.

Only vehicles without the rear compression strut:

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Remove screw (1) and stop plate (2).

Fig 8: Identifying Screw And Stop Plate

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After installation:

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM
BLEED BRAKE SYSTEM .
Perform start-up for ARS.