31 10 000 Removing and installing complete front axle (with spring struts) (135i)

IMPORTANT: Before removing 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 WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.
DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of hydraulic fluid in a suitable container.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
Clamp off BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove both brake calipers from swivel bearing . See 34 11 520 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER (BREMBO) or 34 11 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER (TEVES) and tie up.
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal.
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right.
E88: Remove V-strut on left and right. See 51 61 011 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING V-STRUT, FRONT AXLE CARRIER, LEFT OR RIGHT .
E88: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture. See 51 61 017 Removing and installing/replacing diagonal strut, front end, left (135i E88) or 51 61 018 Removing and installing/replacing diagonal strut, front end, right (135i E88) .
Remove LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE FROM STEERING GEAR .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor.
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electric changeover valve to engine mounts at T-piece.
Disconnect both plug connections for pulse generators and expose lines up to holder on spring strut.
Detach plug connection for brake pad sensor and expose lines up to holder on spring strut.

Version with power steering:

Draw off and dispose of hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir.
Disconnect pressure line from vane pump. See 32 41 332 REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR HYDRAULIC STEERING (N54/N55) .
Detach RETURN LINE FROM POWER STEERING COOLER and expose line up to connection on power steering gear.

Version with active steering:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Disconnect plug connections (1) and expose wiring harness up to engine carrier.

Installation:

Plug connections must audibly snap into place.

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Guide spring struts with your hand when lowering and raising in order to avoid damaging the wheel arches.
After lowering, the spring struts must be aligned to the front axle carrier and secured in such a way that the ball joints of the control arms, tension struts and tie rod ends are not damaged.

Remove both SPRING STRUTS FROM SPRING STRUT DOME .

Lower front axle support . See 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (SWZ00-2040) or 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) .

After installation:

Fill and bleed HYDRAULIC SYSTEM .
Check pipe connections for leaks.
Carry out wheel alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .