31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right tension strut

IMPORTANT: With build date 12/2006 the tension strut to guide joint connection was increased by 10 mm. The upshot of this is that on vehicles up to 12/2006 the guide joint, see 31 12 026 Removing and installing/replacing guide joint in swivel bearing must also be replaced.
Mixed fitting of tension struts is permitted!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front assembly underside protection, see 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover.
Detach front wheel arch trim, see 51 71 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER
Remove guide joint, see 31 12 026 Removing and installing/replacing guide joint in swivel bearing .

Release screw (1).

Release nut on rear side.

Swivel holder (2) for engine shielding at front towards center of vehicle and remove towards bottom.

Fig 1: Holder And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Remove screw towards front.

Remove tension strut.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position, see 32 00 ... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque: 31 12 1AZ, see 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 2: Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.