31 11 506 Lowering/Raising Front Axle Carrier (Special Tool SWZ00-2040)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

For the following special tools, refer to MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS -- 128I .

00 2 030
00 2 040

For the following special tools, refer to FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

31 4 051
31 4 100
31 4 170

IMPORTANT: Before lowering 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!
See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position with special tool . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) .
Remove front wheels . See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.

Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome.

Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools (31 4 170)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove underbody protection at front and rear.

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right.

Remove reinforcement plate.

Partially detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.

Remove lower control arm from spring strut holder .

Version with active steering:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Tie up power steering gear (2).

Installation:

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque. Refer to 32 00 1AZ in 32 00 1AZ STEERING . .

Fig 3: Identifying Nuts And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 4 051 And 31 4 100)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Heli-coil thread inserts . See 41 00... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS .

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 10 1AZ in 31 10 1AZ FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 6: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle carrier and tie up.
Remove stabilizer (conventional) from front axle carrier and tie back
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle carrier or stabilizer retaining bracket and tie up
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to power steering gear

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.

After installation:

Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering. See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .