31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right trailing link

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.

Necessary preliminary work: Remove front wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL . Remove front underbody protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION . Release WHEEL ARCH COVER (E82) or WHEEL ARCH COVER (E88) on front left and right bottom and press to one side (only E82/E88/E92/E93).

Remove pedestrian protection (only E82/E88/E92/E93 from 03/2012): Slacken screw (1) on front pedestrian protection. Release screws (2) from deformation element and adapter. Tightening torque 51 11 7AZ/ 8AZ .

Fig 1: Removing Pedestrian Protection

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Press deformation element (1) towards the bottom and remove adapter (2) towards the top.

Fig 2: Press Deformation Element Toward Bottom

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Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at Torx socket. Installation note: Keep tension strut to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease. Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ. See 31 12 2AZ CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS

Fig 3: Identifying Nut

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Release bolt (1) and remove tension strut. Raise locking nut (2) in area of bore and detach from front axle support. Installation note: Replace locking nut. Tighten screw connection in normal position. Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ. See 31 12 2AZ CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS

Fig 4: Identifying Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.