31 12 000 Removing and installing left or right control arm

Special tools required: 

• 31 1 040 
• 31 2 310 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front wheel.

Only on left side at ride-height sensor: 

Release screw (1).

Remove bracket (3) from control arm.

Installation: 

Sensor lever (4) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Align bracket (3) by way of lug (2) to corresponding opening in control arm.

Tightening torque 37 14 5AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Bracket, Lug, Lever And Screws

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During removal and installation: 

Unfasten nut.

Press control arm off swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 310  .

Installation: 

Keep wheel guide joint to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 310)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement: 

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation: 

Keep wheel control joint (2) to control arm connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Control Joint And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Screw special tool 31 1 040  onto joint.

Strike joint from below to release it from taper in front axle carrier.

Installation: 

Keep control arm to front axle carrier connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 1 040)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower front axle support  . See 31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (universal lifter)  or 31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (special tool SWZ00-2040) .

Remove stabilizer from front axle carrier   and tie up.

Remove control arm with bracket from front axle carrier.

Fig 5: Identifying Stabilizer Of Front Axle Carrier

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After installation: 

• Version with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment  . See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .