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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

32 3 190 . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS.
32 4 150

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 (hexagon socket) if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Version with active 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".
Install special tool 32 4 150 to secure active front steering power steering gear.
NOTE: If special tool 32 4150 cannot be installed, the steering wheel must be secured with the steering wheel arrester.

The cumulative steering angle must remain at "zero" during the adjustment operation.

IMPORTANT: Once the special tool 32 4 150 has been fitted, the cumulative steering angle must still be set to "zero"!

Check cumulative steering angle, reposition special
tool 32 4 150 if necessary.

Version without active front steering:

If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side

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: Aligning Steering Wheel And Steering Wheel Arrester

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Adjust toe-in:

Clean thread on tie rod.

Slacken clamping nut (2), gripping tie rod end (1) in the process.

Remove clamp (4).

Adjusting procedures:

Turn tie rod (3) to adjust toe-in to specified value.
Check cumulative steering angle; if necessary, set to "zero"
Check toe values; if necessary, repeat adjustment procedure

Tighten down clamping nut (2).

Tightening torque 32 21 5AZ . See 21 STEERING ARMS, TIE ROD .

Fit clamp (4).

Fig 2: Identifying Clamping Nut, Clamp, Tie Rod And Tie Rod End

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Adjusting camber:

M5:

Disconnect connector (2).

Unclip connecting cable (1) from spring strut dome cover (3).

Detach connecting cable (1) from front spring strut.

Fig 3: Identifying Connector, Cable And Spring Strut Dome Cover

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If necessary, release expander rivet (1).

If necessary, unclip spring strut dome cover (2) from front cross-strut.

Fig 4: Identifying Expander Rivet And Spring Strut Dome Cover

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If necessary, remove protective cap.

Drive or twist out centering pin (1) in downward direction (hexagon socket).

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

Slacken nut (2) approx. 1 to 1.5 turns.

Fig 5: Remove Centering Pin And Slacken Nut

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Insert special tool 32 3 190 into wheel arch opening and over nut. Replace nuts (3) and screw on but do not tighten down fully.

Adjusting procedures:

Turn nut (4) in special tool 32 3 190 to adjust camber to specified value.
Check cumulative steering angle; if necessary, set to "zero"
Check camber values; if necessary, repeat adjustment procedure

Tighten down nuts (3)

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ . See 31 STEERING COLUMN .

Remove special tool 32 3 190 .

Fig 6: Inserting Special Tool 32 3 190 Into Wheel Arch Opening And Over Nut

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Replace nut (2) and tighten down.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ . See 31 STEERING COLUMN .

Fig 7: Identifying Nut

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After installation:

Check directional stability of car; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment
Version with active front steering: Remove special tool 32 4 150 .