31 10 000 Removing and installing complete front axle (with spring struts)

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IMPORTANT:

Before removing front axle carrier:

In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) . Danger of poisoning if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin! Risk of injury if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) .
Disconnect battery negative lead. See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove brake caliper on both sides from swivel bearing and tie back. See 34 11 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE CALLIPER (TRW) or 34 11 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE CALLIPER (TEVES) .
Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to holder on spring strut
Remove front assembly underside protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
Remove reinforcement strut / V-strut
E93: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece

Version with power steering:

Draw off and dispose of hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir.
Disconnect pressure line from vane pump.32 41 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (N51, N52, N53)
335 d: Disconnect cooler return line from power steering loop.
Detach return line from power steering cooler and expose line up to connection on power steering gear.32 41... NOTES ON HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-CONNECT COUPLING

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connections (1) and unclip connecting line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Disconnect Plug Connections (1) And Unclip Connecting Line (2) From Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Disconnect plug connections (1) and expose wiring harness up to engine carrier.

Installation: Plug connections must audibly snap into place. Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Fig 2: Disconnect Plug Connections (1) And Expose Wiring Harness Up To Engine Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Guide spring struts with your hand when lowering and raising in order to avoid damaging the wheel arches. After lowering, the spring struts must be aligned to the front axle carrier and secured in such a way that the ball joints of the control arms, tension struts and tie rod ends are not damaged.

Remove both spring struts from spring strut dome . Lower front axle carrier .

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering. See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .