31 12 050 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Tension Strut (AWD)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheel
Remove front assembly underside protection

Wheel suspension cover:

Remove clip (1).

Unscrew bolt (3).

Unclip wheel suspension cover (2) from front axle carrier (in vicinity of tension strut) and remove.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Suspension Cover, Clip And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Right side only on version with xenon headlight:

Unscrew nut (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 7AZ .

Remove jointed rod (2) from tension strut on right.

Installation:

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride-height sensor to right front wheel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 2: Identifying Sensor Lever And Jointed Rod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolt (1).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position.

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Release nut (3); if necessary, grip at Torx socket.

Remove tension strut (2).

Installation:

Keep tension strut to guide joint connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 20AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.