31 10 000 Removing and installing complete front axle (with spring strut shock absorber)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335i, 2008 BMW 328i, 2008 BMW 323i, 2007 BMW 335i, and 2007 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 040
31 4 051
31 4 060
33 3 274

WARNING: Danger to life!

Secure Engine In Installation Position to prevent it from falling down.

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.

Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect Battery Negative Lead
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Secure Engine In Installation Position
Remove Brake Caliper On Both Sides From Swivel Bearing and tie back
Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to holder on spring strut
E93: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture
Remove Reinforcement Strut / V-Strut
Remove radiator
Remove diesel enclosure on both sides
Remove Lower Section Of Steering Spindle From Steering Gear
Disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
Version with electric steering gear (EPS): Unclip connecting line from front axle carrier
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece
Disconnect Pressure Line From Vane Pump
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection from power steering pump and expose connecting cable up to power steering gear
335 d: Disconnect Cooler Return Line From Power Steering Loop
Detach Return Line From Power Steering Cooler and expose line up to connection on power steering gear

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connections (1, 3).

Expose wiring harness starting from plug connections (1, 3) up to engine carrier.

2 = Holder

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connections And Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and lay connecting cable to one side.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Guide spring struts with your hand when lowering and raising in order to avoid damaging the wheel arches.

After lowering, the spring struts must be aligned to the front axle carrier and secured in such a way that the ball joints of the control arms, tension struts and tie rod ends are not damaged.

Remove Spring Strut On Both Sides From Spring Strut Dome

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 lift platform

If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack.

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 060 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040.

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle subframe.

NOTE: Make sure when raising that the special tools 31 4 060 are correctly inserted in the rear recesses on the front axle subframe.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support front axle subframe by raising special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tools (31 4 051), (31 4 060), (33 3 274), (00 2 040) And Jack Placement Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to power steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (1, 2).

Carefully lower front axle carrier with spring struts on both sides; if necessary, disconnect cooler return line/coolant pipe from front axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts.

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

For tightening torque refer to 31 10 1AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 4: Identifying Front Axle Mounting Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill and Bleed Hydraulic System
Check pipe connections for leaks
Carry out Wheel Alignment Check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.
Carry out Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment/Adjustment For Active Front Steering