Guidance on Rear Axle Bushings 33171090365 vs 33171133934

[Auraraptor]

PN 33171090365 (part #10 on the rear carrier diagram) has gone NLA from BMW as of 4/2025

In contrast, PN 33171133934 which is the same essential part but used on earlier E31s is back ordered but not NLA (at least yet)

Question: Can I substitute 33171133934, the -934 bushing from pre 9/1992 cars on my later 97 production M73 car?

[mr1173]

Why not these ones https://www.wokke.de/SHOP/Shopsystem...xle-drive.html ?
Ordered them a couple of years ago. They arrived not exactly as pictured, but worked just fine.

[Auraraptor]

Thanks Tony !

I didn’t realize Wolf has some. That’s much easier solution indeed

[rjjablo]

Do it all at once

https://youtu.be/dYfMJU7oPzY?si=bsiftHi5_Jo34Kbr

[m6bigdog]

PN 33171090365 (part #10 on the rear carrier diagram) has gone NLA from BMW as of 4/2025

In contrast, PN 33171133934 which is the same essential part but used on earlier E31s is back ordered but not NLA (at least yet)

Question: Can I substitute 33171133934, the -934 bushing from pre 9/1992 cars on my later 97 production M73 car?

While the bushing serve the same purpose the early bushing fits into the diff cover housing and the late model bushing installs into the sub-Frame.
Therefore the dimension are different.

[Auraraptor]

Invaluable as always. Thank you Rod

[m6bigdog]

Invaluable as always. Thank you Rod

You are very welcome,

PM sent

[ctuls]

@m6bigdog - For the earlier models, where bushing fits into diff cover. Is it possible then to just remove the diff cover, swap bushings, and reseal the diff OR does the subframe still needs to be dropped?

[m6bigdog]

@m6bigdog - For the earlier models, where bushing fits into diff cover. Is it possible then to just remove the diff cover, swap bushings, and reseal the diff OR does the subframe still needs to be dropped?

IMHO, it is more about using the correct BMW Special tools that providing extra space for R&R'ing the bushing.
Note, the Diff Case is aluminum and if the bushing or the tools get misaligned the case can crack.
I attached the BMW manual R&R procedures.
In the E31 manual the first procedure is to drop the Sub-Frame with Final Drive 33-31/1, so how you proceed is all about making enough space for the R&R tools you use.
Clearance by dropping/tilting the diff in the sub-frame may give you enough space to R&R the Diff cover.
R&R'ing the late model bushing in the sub-frame is included in the 33-17/1 image.
33-17/2 shows the tools for the Diff Cover bushing.
Sometimes there is no short cuts as the clearances are just too close.