31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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) .

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 front wheels. See 10 WHEELS .
Remove front stabilizer bar .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
E90, E91, E92: Remove stiffening strut
E93: Remove V-strut
E93: Remove mounting fixture
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear. See 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
Remove tension strut on both sides from front axle carrier .
Remove both control arms from front axle carrier .
Remove both tie rods on steering gear. See 32 21 231 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .

Version with active steering:

NOTE: Front axle carrier is lowered without power steering gear.

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) from power steering pump and expose connecting cable up to front axle carrier.

Disconnect plug connections (2) on power steering gear

Build date up to 03/2007: Disconnect plug connection on cumulative steering angle sensor.

Fig 2: Disconnect Plug Connections On Power Steering Gear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower front axle carrier a little. See 31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (SWZ00-2040) .

If necessary, remove heat shield above right tie rod gaiter. Remove steering gear from front axle carrier and tie up. Lower front axle carrier.

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle carrier. If necessary, remove wiring harness (1) for active front steering from front axle carrier. Remove both engine mounts (2). See 11 ENGINE SUSPENSION . On M57T2: Release bolts and remove both support angles (3). Tightening torque, see 31 10 4AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 3: Identifying Wiring Harness, Engine Mounts And Support Angles

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, disconnect vacuum line (1). If necessary, release bolts and remove reinforcement plates (2).

Installation: Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts. Tightening torque, see 31 10 5AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 4: Identifying Vacuum Line And Reinforcement Plates

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check. 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 .