31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (SWZ00-2040) (135i)

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle support:
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.

IMPORTANT: N47: Danger of short-circuiting at starter!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL .
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 front axle support. 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.

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Cut open cable tie (1) for connecting line on front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Identifying Cable Tie

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.

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

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 060 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle support.

NOTE: When raising, make sure that the special tools 31 4 060 are correctly inserted into the corresponding rear recesses of the front axle support.

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tools (31 4 051 And 31 4 060)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support front axle support by raising special tool 00 2 040 .

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 HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Bolt (1) M12x90
Bolt (2) M12x145
Bolt (3) M12x53

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

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active steering . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .