32 00 610 Adjusting toe-in and camber on front axle (M3)

IMPORTANT: Changes in axle geometry caused by accidents must under no circumstances be rectified by camber adjustment!

NOTE: Camber and toe-in influence each other. Adjust the toe-in first in order to simplify the adjustment procedure.
The centering pin may only be driven or twisted out if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Move steering into straight-ahead position by means of markings on cap (1) and steering gear (2).

Align steering wheel and secure with steering wheel arrester.

Fig 1: Identifying Markings On Cap And Steering Gear

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Adjust toe-in:

Clean thread on tie rod.

Loosen screw (2).

Turn tie rod (3) and if necessary grip tie rod end (1) to adjust toe-in to setpoint value.

Tighten screw (2).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ .

If necessary, correct installation position of gaiter.

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod End And Screw

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Adjusting camber:

Remove LEFT OR RIGHT SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE .

Unclip protective cap (1) and disconnect plug connection underneath.

Release nuts (2) and remove suspension cross-brace ring (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Cap, Suspension Cross-Brace Ring And Nuts

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IMPORTANT: Risk of corrosion!
Wrap lower end of screwdriver in adhesive tape to avoid damaging the paintwork on the spring strut dome.

Clean wheel arch from below in area of support bearing with compressed air.

Twist out centering pin (1).

Move spring strut support bearing with a suitable screwdriver (2) to adjust the camber to the setpoint value.

Fig 4: Moving Spring Strut Support Bearing Using Suitable Screwdriver

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If necessary, repair paintwork damage on spring strut dome.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to use the pictured nuts to ensure correct screw-fastening of the dome cross-brace ring!

Fig 5: Identifying Strut Support Nut

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Fit suspension cross-brace ring (3).

Replace nuts (2) and tighten down.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

NOTE: Make sure protective cap is correctly seated.

Connect plug connection and fit protective cap (1).

Install LEFT OR RIGHT SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE .

Fig 6: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Ring And Nuts

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After installation:

Check directional stability of car; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment.