31 11 001 Replacing front axle support

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

Attention!

Before lowering/removing front axle support:

Observe SAFETY INFORMATION on raising the vehicle.

In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

NOTE: From 01/2013 vibration absorbers (1) are installed on the front axle support on vehicles with rear-wheel drive and run-flat tires!
Tightening torque 31 10 5AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Vibration Absorbers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger to life!
SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary work:

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove STEERING SHAFT FROM STEERING GEAR .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKS FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Remove BOTH TRACK RODS FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove WISHBONE FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove TENSION STRUTS FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

The subsequent procedure is described under "LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT ".

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle support.

Remove jacking point from front axle support.

Remove engine mount.

Remove STEERING BOX .

Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR .

Installation note:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Front Axle Support And Anti-Roll Bar

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 WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .

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 on raising the vehicle.
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: 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 FRONT WHEELS .
Remove steering shaft from steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING SHAFT LOWER SECTION (N47 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) or 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING BOTTOM STEERING SHAFT (N20 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKS FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Remove BOTH TRACK RODS FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove WISHBONE FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove TRAILING LINKS FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

The subsequent procedure is described under "LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT ".

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle support.

Modify ENGINE MOUNT (1).

Modify STEERING GEAR (2).

Modify ANTI-ROLL BAR (3).

Replace foam seal (4).

Installation note:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Engine Mount, Steering Gear And Anti-Roll Bar

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 WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .