Hi all help needed bigtime X5

[jamesx5]

Hi all
I so stupid I wanted to change the 4 bushes on rear sub frame, I jacked it up two axel stands both rear wheels off. removed rear exhaust hanger on near side and the two long bolts. I used a crow bar to lever the sub frame down to get the top plate out so I could use the tool to press out the bush. I could not force it down enough. so what did I do took the bolts out from the other side I know now I should not have removed them completely as the holes are all out of line to get the bolts back in. Does anyone know how I can get the sub frame to move to get it lined up. I do not want to remove bits that I cant get back on.
I am thinking if I undo the shocks at the bottom and maybe remove the air suspension both sides will it move enough. Any help most welcome.
Regards
James 

[ianst0028]

oopie
release the air from the suspension system and then remove the bottom bolts on the shocks

hopefully that will give you enough room to get it all back together

[jamesx5]

Thanks Ian for the info do you think it will drop far will I need to support it?
the 4 bolts are out I could only get the front drivers side back in but the ally middle part of the bush is out.
I have still not changed the bushes as yet as it has not dropped enough to get the top spacer out.
Maybe when I do what you say I will have more space, It needs to move forward to line the holes up so the long bolts will go back in can you think of any other parts I could undo to release it as well as the above without it falling right down The air suspension do I release the air then take the bottom clips out.
Thanks again
James

[ianst0028]

When I did mine I just lowered the subframe and had enough room to get the tool in to press the bushes out.... I needed a bit of heat to get them moving though
To release the air just undo the 10mm nut on the accumulator and let it bleed air.... Don't forget to pull the relay that powers the compressor

[jamesx5]

Hi again Ian
Do I need to pull the relay if I don't switch the ignition on? Is the relay in the boot on the left side.
Does this sound silly because I am baffled by the sub frame not dropping a bit when I removed the two bolts and even the other two still did not drop a bit. all the videos I have watched the guys have had no problems, do you think the jack might be stopping it from lowering I left it in place just in case the axel stands failed.
Thanks again
James

[ianst0028]

your holding the subframe with a trolley jack ???

if so then yes thats definatly why its not dropping
i worked on one side at a time (on the street its always best not to have your ar$e hanging out into the middle of the road)
i had the axle stand on the jacking point on the sill and the trolley jack supporting the subframe then i'd lower the trolley jack to drop the subframe enough to get the bush tool in (i had to improvise with a laguna tool because i didnt have the bmw one)

i'd suggest getting one side bolted back up and then start again

[ianst0028]

also the compressor is constant live so as soon as it realizes your loosing air it'll kick in to re-fill
i've read that pulling the fuse is the proper way to do it but i've always pulled the relay because it's easier for me (lpg tank means the compressor has been re-located) 

[jamesx5]

:'(Thanks Ian your a diamond cant wait to jump on it now.


:xmastongue:

James