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

Special tools required :

31 5 251
00 2 030
31 5 255
31 5 253

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: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N20, N26) or 11 00 670 SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) .

Necessary preliminary tasks :

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N20, N26) or 11 00 670 SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) .
DISCONNECT BATTERY .
Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION and 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
For F33 remove: STIFFENING PLATE .
Remove steering shaft from steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SHAFT for (N20, N26), or 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SHAFT for (N55).
Release WHEEL ARCH PANEL in rear area.
If necessary, remove STEERING ASSEMBLY COVER .

F33 :

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 31 10 8AZ .

Release screw (2).

Tightening torque 31 10 9AZ .

Remove left and right torsion strut.

Installation note :

Replace screws (1) and (2).

Fig 1: Removing Left And Right Torsion Strut

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Release screws (1).

Remove cover (2). (Right-hand side is identical).

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Arch Panel Cover Screws

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Unlock holder (1).

Take out coolant hose.

Installation note :

Replace faulty holders.

Fig 3: Identifying Coolant Hose Holder

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Unlock and disconnect plug connection (1) on steering gear.

Unclip cable routing from front axle support and fold back cable toward engine support.

Installation note :

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Gear Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) on left and right.

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ .

Unclip cable tie (2).

Installation note :

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 5: Identifying Cable Tie Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 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 6: Inserting Special Tools (31 5 255) In Telescopic Supports

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NOTE: The mounting points on the left side are shown.
Align special tools 31 5 251, 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to front axle support.
Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle support must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Fig 7: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 251/31 5 253) To Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.

Installation note :

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELI-COIL THREAD INSERTS .

Note installation locations of screws.

Bolt (1) M12x45
Screw (2) M12x165 (foam seal between front axle support and body!)
Screw (3) M14x60

Fig 8: Lower Front Axle Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2, 3).

Installation note :

Renew foam seal (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Foam Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.