31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing the left or right trailing link (M5)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: On vehicles manufactured up to 03/2013 It is imperative that the following instruction is followed:

(If the part number on the old part being replaced can no longer be identified (illegible due to damage or weathering) the actual version must be determined with the aid of the lower wishbone (2) or the parts on the opposite.)

Fig 1: Identifying Location Of Part Number For Trailing Arm
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

On build version to 03/2013 both trailing arms and both lower wishbones must always be replaced together.

Due to a change in the stiffness of the rubber mounts in the trailing arms and lower wishbones, mixing old and new versions is not permissible .

If the trailing arms and wishbones have already been replaced as a complete unit previously, fitting a trailing arm on its own is allowable again.

After completing installation, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle is programmed to integration level F010-13-03-500 or later.
If necessary, program the vehicle using ISTA/P 2.49.0 or later.

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
Remove the FRONT SECTION OF THE WHEEL ARCH PANEL .

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 17 10 5AZ .

Lift the auxiliary water cooler (2) out of the holder and hang to the side.

IMPORTANT: Risk of cooler fin damage.

Fig 2: Lifting Auxiliary Water Cooler Out Of Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (2) and remove.

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Remove clip nut (1).

Remove tension strut (3) from front axle support.

Installation note:

Replace screw and clip nut.

Observe assembly sequence.

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut, Mounting Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not release tension strut from swivel bearing with impact tool.
The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.
Rubber boot of tension strut must not be damaged!
Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Release nut (1) and remove trailing link (2) from swivel bearing.

Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Keep tension strut to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 4: Identifying Trailing Link And Mounting Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Risk of damage!

Observe assembly sequence.

Trailing link must be screwed in normal position!

(Adjustment of normal position, see below).

Installing trailing link:

Install trailing link on front axle support (do not tighten down screw connection).
Adjust the trailing link with the swivel bearing for dimension (A).
Dimension (A) = 2 cm (vehicle on vehicle hoist, spring strut rebounded)

NOTE: Installing the trailing link to dimension (A) corresponds to the normal position in the compressed state!

Fig 5: Checking Trailing Link To Swivel Bearing Dimension
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Tighten tension strut at the front axle support.
Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .
Press trailing link into swivel bearing and tighten trailing link/swivel bearing.
Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .