31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (N55 All-Wheel Drive vehicle)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW 550i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT, 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive, and 2016 BMW 535i GT xDrive. 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 vehicle hoist 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 to prevent it from falling down.

Before lowering the front axle support, you must release THE STEERING SHAFT on the steering box!

If this is not carried out, the bulkhead steering shaft bearing will be damaged!

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE
Remove STEERING BOX COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE .
Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Unlock plug connection on steering box and disconnect.
Mark STEERING BOX on front axle support and release.
Pull steering box forward slightly and tie up.
Secure anti-roll bar on front axle support.
Secure engine in INSTALLATION POSITION .

Release screws (1).

Remove front left and 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 screw (1).

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ .

Release screw (2) and remove.

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ

Release front axle support (3) from deformation element (4).

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

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Release plug connection (1) and screw (2) on left engine support and remove screw.

Fig 4: Identifying Connector And Screw On Left Engine Support

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut (2).

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 lower control arm (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Lower Control Arm And Nut

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IMPORTANT: When lowering and lifting, pay attention to hoses and lines of hydraulic steering/Dynamic Drive depending on vehicle equipment! Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!
If necessary, release lines and hoses.

Engage special tool 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 one another by gearing.

Fig 7: Inserting Special Tools 31 5 255 In Telescopic Supports Of Profile Rail Pair

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Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Align special tool 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to front axle support.

Fig 8: Aligning Special Tool 31 5 253 And 31 5 255 To Front Axle Support

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

Release screws (1, 2, 3) from front axle support.

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

Check thread for damage, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERT if necessary.

(1, 2) = screw M12x1.5x65

(3) = screw M12x1.5x95

Fig 9: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully lower front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.

After installation

Check lines and hoses for tightness.