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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) .

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) .
Remove front assembly underside protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
E90, E91, E92: Remove stiffening strut
E88, E93: Remove V-strut on left and right
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear. See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
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: Cut Open Cable Tie (1) For Connecting Line On Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 lifting platform

Engage 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.

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Lifter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

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

NOTE: 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.

Fig 3: Aligning Special Tools 31 5 253 And 31 5 256 To Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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, see 31 10 1AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 4: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering. See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .