31 50 001 Removing and installing/replacing front axle differential (N63 engine with AWD)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 33 other vehicles, including the 2018 BMW M6, 2018 BMW 650i xDrive, 2018 BMW 650i, 2018 BMW 640i xDrive, and 2018 BMW 640i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: For the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the gearbox is filled with 600 ml oil! If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the gearbox would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

REMOVE both output shafts.
Remove PROPELLER SHAFT on front axle differential.
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63O1) .
Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove engine mount. See 22 11 011 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N63) or 22 11 011 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N63) AWD left engine mount.

IMPORTANT: Danger of injury!
When releasing the last bolt, grip the front axle differential to prevent it from falling down.

Release screws (1 and 2).

Remove front axle differential downwards.

Installation note:

During removal and installation: Replace O-RING .

Coat O-ring with front axle differential oil.

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Bolt (1) M12x55
Screw (2) M12x105

Tightening torque 31 50 1AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Differential Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL WITH OIL .
Carry out WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE .