32 00 610 Adjusting toe-in and camber on front axle

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:

32 3 140
32 3 146
32 3 147

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS .

IMPORTANT: Changes in axle geometry caused by accidents must under no circumstances be rectified by camber adjustment!

NOTE: Camber and toe-in influence each other. Adjust the toe-in first in order to simplify the adjustment procedure.
The centering pin may only be driven or twisted out if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Version with active front steering:

Align steering wheel
Set cumulative steering angle by means of the service function " Carry out initial operation/adjustment for active front steering " to "zero". See 32 10 005 Adjustment for active front steering and 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
If necessary, secure with steering wheel arrester

Version without active front steering:

Move steering into straight-ahead position by means of markings on cap (1) and steering gear (2).

Align steering wheel and secure with steering wheel arrester.

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear

G04726340

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust toe-in:

Clean thread on tie rod.

Loosen screw (2).

Turn tie rod (3) and if necessary grip tie rod end (1) to adjust toe-in to setpoint value.

Tighten screw (2).

Tightening torque, see 32 21 2AZ in 32 21 STEERING ARMS .

If necessary, correct installation position of gaiter.

Fig 2: Identifying Screws

G04726341

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjusting camber:

Remove tension strut for spring strut dome . See 51 71 371 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TENSION STRUT ON LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT DOME .

Remove protective cap.

Twist/drive out centering pin (1).

Clean wheel arch from below in area of support bearing with compressed air.

Slacken nut (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Centering Pin And Slacken Nut

G04726342

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 32 3 140 into opening in wheel arch.

NOTE: The spindle 32 3 146 must be aligned in such a way that the short end of the guide sleeve (3) points upwards.

Screw knurled nut 32 3 147 onto stud.

Replace nuts (1) and screw on but do not tighten down fully.

Turn nut (2) of special tool 32 3 140 to adjust camber to setpoint value.

Tighten down nuts (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Nuts

G04726343

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque, see 31 31 1AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Remove special tool 32 3 140 .

Replace nut (1) and tighten down.

Tightening torque, see 31 31 1AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fig 5: Identifying Nut

G04726344

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check directional stability of car; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment