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

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.

IMPORTANT: N47, N57: Danger of short-circuiting at starter!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

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

Secure engine in INSTALLATION POSITION .
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal.
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right.
Remove REINFORCEMENT BRACE/V-STRUT ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture. See DIAGONAL STRUT, LEFT and DIAGONAL STRUT, RIGHT .
Remove LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE FROM STEERING GEAR .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor.
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated 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 tool 31 4 051 and 31 4 060 into corresponding receptacles of special tool 00 2 040 .

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle carrier.

NOTE: Make sure when raising that special tools 31 4 060 are correctly inserted in the rear recesses on the front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Inserting/Positioning Special Tools At Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support front axle carrier 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 .