31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (SWZ00-2040)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle support: In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle. Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) .

IMPORTANT: N47, N57: Danger of short-circuiting at starter!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52K, N53) .
Remove front assembly underside protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
Remove reinforcement brace/V-strut on left and right .
E93: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear. See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor.
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece.

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Cut open cable tie (1) for connecting line on front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Cut Open Cable Tie (1) For Connecting Line On Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 lifting 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 carrier.

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

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274. Support front axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools On Workshop Jack

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 bolts (1-3).

Lower front axle carrier max. 10 cm; if necessary, disconnect cooler return line/coolant pipe from front axle carrier.

Installation:

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

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Bolt (1) M12x90
Bolt (2) M12x145
Bolt (3) M12x53

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2, 3). Tightening torque, see 31 10 1AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 3: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering. See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .