31 50 001 Removing and installing/replacing front axle differential (PHEV)

WARNING: High-voltage system - risk of serious injury or death.

Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for handling hybrid cars.

IMPORTANT: For the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the gearbox is filled with 600 ml oil! If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the gearbox would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Secure RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT WITH SPECIAL TOOL .
Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT .
Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove OIL SUMP ACOUSTIC COVER .

IMPORTANT: Risk of injury!
When releasing the last bolt, grip the front axle differential to prevent it from falling down.

Detach ventilation line (4).

Release bolts (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 50 1AZ .

Remove front axle differential.

Installation note:

During removal and installation: Replace O-RING .

Coat O-ring with front axle differential oil.

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Fig 1: Identifying Ventilation Line Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bolt (1) M12x105
Screws (2) M12x55
Screw (3) M12x76 (M12x55)

After installation:

Fill FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL WITH OIL .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/alignment for active front steering. See CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or ADJUSTMENT/INITIAL OPERATION FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .
Program the SOFTWARE END STOP for electrical steering.