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 note: 

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 Sensor Lever, Bracket And Lug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

During removal and Installation note: 

Unfasten nut.

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

Installation note: 

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: Pressing Control Arm Off Swivel Bearing With Special Tool 31 2 310

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement: 

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation note: 

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

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 support.

Installation note: 

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ

Fig 4: Screwing Special Tool 31 1 040 Onto Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT  and tie up.

Remove control arm with bracket from front axle support.

Fig 5: Identifying Control Arm With Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.