31 11 506 Lowering/Raising Front Axle Carrier (Universal Lifter)

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 2 040

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

31 5 251
31 5 253
31 5 256

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 . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) .
Remove front assembly underside protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
E88, E93: Remove V-strut on left and right. See 51 61 011 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING V-STRUT, FRONT AXLE CARRIER, LEFT OR RIGHT .
E88, E93: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture. See 51 61 017 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DIAGONAL STRUT, FRONT END, LEFT 51 61 018 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DIAGONAL STRUT, FRONT END, RIGHT .
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 electric changeover valve to engine mounts at T-piece

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Cut open cable tie (1) for connecting line on front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Identifying Cable Tie

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Risk of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Align special tools 31 5 253 and 31 5 256 to front axle carrier.

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

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 253 And 31 5 256)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to power steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release bolts (1-3).

Lower front axle carrier max. 10 cm; if necessary, disconnect cooler return line/coolant pipe from front axle carrier.

Installation:

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

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screw (1) M12x90
Screw (2) M12x145
Screw (3) M12x53

Fig 4: Identifying Screw
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2, 3).

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

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .