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

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.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .

IMPORTANT: N57: Risk of short circuiting the starter!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .
Remove FRONT WHEELS
Remove underbody protection at FRONT and REAR .
Remove STEERING GEAR COVER AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR
Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.
Remove STEERING SHAFT FROM STEERING BOX
Remove HYDRAULIC LINES FROM VALVE BLOCK (only on version with Dynamic Drive)
Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to hydraulic steering gear (only on version with active front steering)

Release screws (1).

Remove front left/right wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note:

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Air Duct And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Release deformation element (3) from front axle support (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Deformation Element, Front Axle Support, And Screws

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Release bolt (1) and remove holder (2) from oil line

Fig 4: Identifying Oil Line Holder And Bolt

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut.

Fig 5: Securing Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool 33 5 206 On Spring Strut

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Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Remove spring strut from control arm (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Control Arm And Nut

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Engage 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

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.

Fig 7: Inserting Special Tools 31 5 256 In Telescopic Supports Of Other Profile Rail Pair

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NOTE: The jacking points (1) on the left side are shown.

Fig 8: Identifying Left Side Jacking Points

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Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 9: Aligning Special Tools 31 5 255 And 31 5 256 To Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to hydraulic steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (1, 2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

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

M12x1.5x65 screw
M12x1.5x95 screw

Fig 10: Identifying Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Lower front axle support by max. 10 cm.

After installation

FILL AND BLEED HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Check line connections for leaks
DYNAMIC DRIVE START-UP