33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support

Special tools required:

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.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tilting or sliding off the vehicle hoist.
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: Before lowering/removing rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEELS .
Remove COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM with heat shield at center.
Remove UNDERBODY COVER at left and right.

The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 251 to rear axle support.

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

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 5 251 .

Fig 1: Supporting Rear Axle Support By Operating Workshop Jack (00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (2) at rear axle support (1). (right-hand side is identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ .

Lower rear axle support.

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Axle Support And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower rear axle support by max. A = 40 mm.

Fig 3: Checking Rear Axle Support Lowering Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.