Removing the housing cover

WARNING: Car may slip off the vehicle hoist where components are supported.
Danger! Immobilization period-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 PROP SHAFT .
Suction oil in the rear AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Release the rear axle differential right and left OUTPUT SHAFTS .
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..

Loosen screws (1).
Remove the housing cover (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.