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

Special tools required:

00 2 030 UNIVERSAL HYDRO-LIFTER BASIC UNIT
31 5 250 UNIVERSAL AXLE BRACKET

For the following special tools, refer to FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS -- 135I

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) . (N52 engine is shown; N54 is similiar).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52). (N52 engine is shown; N54 is similiar). .
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
E90, E91, E92: Remove stiffening strut
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 or 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 For Connecting Line On Front Axle Carrier

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. See Fig 2.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair. See Fig 2.

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. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 251), (00 2 030), (31 5 253) & (31 5 256)

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. See Fig 3.

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

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

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

Fig 4: Identifying Cooler Return Line/Coolant Pipe Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .