31 11 001 Replacing front axle support

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

IMPORTANT: Before removing front axle support:
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, 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.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Remove both FRONT WHEELS .
Remove FRONT ANTI-ROLL BAR .
If necessary, remove radiator seal.
If necessary, remove steering box cover on left and right.
Remove E90, E91, E92: STIFFENING STRUT .
E93: Remove V-strut.
E93: Remove assembly mounting.
Remove BOTTOM OF STEERING SHAFT FROM STEERING BOX .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride height sensor.
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece.
Remove both TRAILING LINKS FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove both WISHBONES FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove both TRACK RODS ON STEERING BOX .

Version with active steering:

NOTE: Front axle support is lowered without hydraulic steering gear.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Support Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) from power steering pump and expose connecting line up to front axle support.

Disconnect plug connections (2) on hydraulic steering gear.

Build date up to 03/2007: Disconnect plug connection on cumulative steering angle sensor.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Pump And Hydraulic Steering Gear Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

If necessary, remove heat shield above the right-hand gaiter of the track rod.

Remove steering box from front axle support . See 32 13 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) ELECTRIC STEERING BOX (EPS) or 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HYDRAULIC STEERING GEAR and tie up.

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

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle support.

If necessary, remove wiring harness (1) for active steering from front axle support.

Remove both engine mounts . See 22 11 011 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N55) or 22 11 001 REPLACING RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT (N55) (2).

M57T2: Unscrew screws and remove both support brackets (3).

Tightening torque 31 10 4AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Wiring Harness, Engine Mounts And Support Brackets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, remove vacuum line (1).

If necessary, unscrew screws (2) and remove reinforcement plates (2).

Installation note:

Use previous front axle support as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Tightening torque 31 10 5AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Vacuum Lines And Reinforcement Plates Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure . 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 .