Removing the housing cover

WARNING: Motor vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist where components are supported.
Danger! Life-threatening injuries!

Secure the vehicle hoist against lowering and lifting.

Preliminary work

Remove the left and right camber control arm COVER .
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM
Remove the rear HEAT SHIELD .
Release the rear axle differential PROPELLER SHAFT .
Draw off rear axle DIFFERENTIAL OIL .
Release the left and right rear axle differential OUTPUT SHAFT .
Remove rear AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear axle differential.
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the rear axle differential.

After completion of repair work, check the transmission oil level in the rear axle differential.
Use only the APPROVED FINAL DRIVE transmission differential fluid..

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
It is mandatory to replace the radial shaft seal in the rear axle differential each time after having removed the output shaft.

Loosen screws (1) .
Take off case cover.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.