31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter)

Special tools required:

WARNING: Danger 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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support:
Observe safety information for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

IMPORTANT: N47, N57: Risk of short circuit on starter!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

WARNING: Danger to life! Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down.

Secure engine in installation position. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54)or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) .
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal.
If necessary, remove steering box cover on left and right.
From 03/12: Release front left and right WHEEL ARCH COVER at bottom and press to one side
Remove stiffening strut.
Remove V-STRUT ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture. See DIAGONAL STRUT, LEFT and DIAGONAL STRUT, RIGHT .
Remove STEERING SHAFT FROM STEERING GEAR .
If necessary, disconnect PLUG CONNECTION TO RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR .
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electric changeover valve to engine mounts at T-piece.

Remove pedestrian protection (From 03/12):

Slacken screw (1) on front pedestrian protection.

Release screws (2) from deformation element and adapter.

Tightening torque 51 11 7AZ/8AZ

Fig 1: Identifying Screws

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Press deformation element (1) towards the bottom and remove adapter (2) towards the top.

Fig 2: Removing Adapter

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Version with Electronic Power Steering (EPS):

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

Fig 3: Identifying Cable Tie

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Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools

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The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 253 and 31 5 256 to front axle support.

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

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle must lie in the middle above the workshop jack.

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools 31 5 253 And 31 5 256 To Front Axle Support

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IMPORTANT: Pay attention to hydraulic steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release bolts (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ

Lower front axle support a maximum of 10 cm; if necessary, disconnect radiator return hose/coolant pipe from front axle support.

Installation note:

Check thread for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERT .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

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

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

Fig 6: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.