31 11 001 Replacing front axle support

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support:

Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for 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. See INSTALLATION POSITION (N20) or INSTALLATION POSITION (N54) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION .
Remove RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove V-STRUT, FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove STEERING GEAR .
Remove WISHBONE FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove TRAILING LINKS FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove FRONT ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Release COOLANT PIPE to front axle support.
Release DIAGONAL STRUTS on front axle support.

Engage special tool 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.

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

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tool (31 5 253) In Profile Rail Pair Telescopic Supports

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle must lie in the middle above the workshop jack.

Fig 2: Aligning Special Tools To Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Bolts (1) M12x90
Screws (2) M12x125
Screws (3)

Observe tightening sequence.

Tighten screws (1), then screws (2) and (3)!

Fig 3: Front Axle Carrier Screws Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take the front axle support off the special tool with a helper and set onto a suitable support.

If necessary, remove heat shields from front axle support.

Remove engine mount. See ENGINE MOUNTING (N20) or ENGINE MOUNTING (N54) .

Installation note:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT (WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD) .