31 11 001 Replacing front axle support

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WARNING: Danger to life!
SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) or SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54, N54T) to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) or SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54, N54T)
Remove front wheels.
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION
If necessary, remove pedestrian protection.

Fig 1: Identifying Pedestrian Protection With Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
Remove V-STRUT, FRONT AXLE CARRIER, LEFT OR RIGHT
Remove STEERING GEAR FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT and tie up.
Remove CONTROL ARM FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove TENSION STRUTS from front axle support.
Remove front ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Release coolant pipe. See 17 00 008 DRAINING AND ADDING COOLANT (N54) or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT PIPE ON FRONT AXLE (N52K) .
Release DIAGONAL STRUTS on front axle support

Engage 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.

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 2: Inserting Special Tool (31 5 253) On Profile Rail Pair Telescopic Supports

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Align special tools 31 5 253 and 31 5 256 to front axle support and support front axle support.

Fig 3: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 253 And 31 5 256) To Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (1-3).

Installation:

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

Observe tightening sequence.

Tighten first bolts (1), then bolts (2) and finally bolts (3).

Make sure bolts are installed in correct positions.

Bolts (1) M12x90
Bolts (2) M12x145
Bolts (3) M12x53

Take the front axle support off the special tool with a helper and set onto a suitable support. If necessary, remover heat shields from front axle support.

Remove engine mount.

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

After installation

Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT