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

Special tools required:

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: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Secure engine in installation position. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .
Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove STEERING BOX COVER AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE
Remove BOTH FRONT V STRUTS
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) at rear area.
Unlock plug connection on steering box and disconnect.
Remove steering shaft from steering box . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING (N63) .

Release screws (1).

Remove front left/right wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note:

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover Screws

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Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Air Duct Screws

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Release screws (1).

Release deformation element (3) from front axle support (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut.

Fig 4: Securing Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (33 5 206)

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Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Release spring strut from wishbone (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Wishbone Nut

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Release screws (1).

Lay holder (2) with cable to one side.

Fig 6: Identifying Cable Holder Screws

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Unlock and disconnect plug connection (1) at front axle support.

Fig 7: Identifying Front Axle Support Plug Connection

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Unclip cable clip (1) on the frame side rail.

Release screw (2) on cable clip.

IMPORTANT: When lowering and raising, pay attention to routing of electrical cables (3)!
Lines must not be damaged!

Fig 8: Identifying Frame Side Rail Cable Clip And Screw

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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 5 256 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 9: Inserting Special Tools (31 5 255) In Telescopic Supports

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Fig 10: Identifying Axle Support Mounting Points

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The mounting points on the left side are shown:

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 with the front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle must lie in the middle above the workshop jack.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When lowering and raising, pay attention to routing of electrical cables!
Lines must not be damaged!
Hydraulic lines (ARS) must not be kinked/stretched or bent.
If necessary, detach hydraulic line from mounting.

Release screws (1, 2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

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

M12x1.5x65 screw
M12x1.5x95 screw

Fig 11: Identifying Hydraulic Line Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.