31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (special tool SWZ00-2040)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
00 2 040 . See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .
31 4 051
31 4 100
31 4 170 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

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!
Secure engine in installation position
to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N62, N62TU) .
Remove front wheels .

IMPORTANT:

Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.

Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome. Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Swivel Bearing

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Remove underbody protection at front and rear . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.

Remove reinforcement plate .

Partially detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.

Remove lower control arm from spring strut holder .

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and unclip line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Disconnect Plug Connection And Unclip Line From Front Axle Carrier

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Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Tie up power steering gear (2).

Installation:

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque 32 00 1AZ . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom

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If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (33 3 274), (31 4 100) And (00 2 040)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 051) And (31 4 100)

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Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts .

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

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 6: Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle carrier and tie up.
Remove stabilizer (conventional) from front axle carrier and tie back.
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle carrier or stabilizer retaining bracket and tie up.
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to power steering gear.

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .