31 50 001 Removing and installing/replacing front axle differential

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:

Only N57: Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE .
Remove LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Secure RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT WITH SPECIAL TOOL .
Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT .
Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

N57 only:

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 12 52 3AZ .

Disconnect positive wire from starter motor.

Slacken nut (2).

Tightening torque 12 52 1AZ .

Disconnect cable (terminal 50) and release from holder (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Holder And Nuts

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N57 only:

Release plastic screw (3).

Tightening torque 11 14 1AZ .

Loosen screws (1).

Tightening torque 11 14 2AZ .

Remove acoustic cover (2) from the oil sump.

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Sump Acoustic Cover Screws

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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 3: Identifying Ventilation Line Bolts

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Bolt (1) M12x105
Bolts (2) M12x55
Bolt (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.