33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (Countryman models with AWD, except PHEV)

Special tools required:

31 5 250
00 2 030
31 5 255
31 5 256
31 5 251

WARNING: Injury hazard!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Load the trunk with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tipping/slipping off the vehicle lift!
When supporting components, make sure that:

The vehicle is no longer raised or lowered.
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

Attention!

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.

Preliminary work needed:

REMOVE both rear wheels.
Remove complete exhaust system.
Remove the left and right TRAILING ARM COVERS .
Remove the TANK COVER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .

Lowering:

Press brake pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

NOTE: The pedal support must not be loosened until the brake lines are reconnected.
This prevents the brake fluid coming out of the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove heat shield (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen screws (1).

Remove cover (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect connector (1).

Loosen cable (2) from control unit bracket.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only for rear ride height sensor:

Disconnect connector (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) of anti-roll bar links on left and right on trailing arm.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hollow nut (2).

Detach brake hose (1) on left and right from brake line.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock and disconnect connectors (1) on the right and left.

Release cable (3) on left and right from cable clip (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Completely plug in the special tool 31 5 250 with a helper on the operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert the special tools 31 5 255 in the telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Align special tools 31 5 256 , 31 5 255 and 31 5 251 to rear axle support.

Operate the universal jack 00 2 030 to support the rear axle support.

Attention!

The center of gravity of the rear axle must be centered over the universal jack!

Secure rear axle support with luggage strap to special tool 31 5 251.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) from cross member.

Release screws (2) from rear axle support.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower rear axle support by max. A = 100 mm.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Raising:

Installation note:

Check the thread for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERT .

Align and raise rear axle support.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten screws (2) on rear axle support.

Tightening torque, 33 31 1AZ .

Tighten screws (1) on cross member.

Tightening torque 33 31 3AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect plug connections (1) on left and right.

Secure cable (3) on left and right with cable clip (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align brake hose (1), left and right.

Tighten down hollow nut (2).

Tightening torque, 34 32 1AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down anti-roll bar links on left and right with screw (1) on trailing arm.

Tightening torque 33 55 2AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only for rear ride height sensor:

Insert connector (1) on ride height sensor.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure cable (2) on control unit bracket.

Connect connector (1) to control unit.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position cover (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 31 8AZ .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install heat shield (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release pedal support.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Required follow-up work:

Install TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Install TRAILING ARM COVER , left and right.
Completely install the exhaust system.
Install BOTH REAR WHEELS .
VENTING BRAKE SYSTEM .