31 10 000 Removing and installing complete front axle (with spring struts) (M3)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Before removing front axle carrier:
In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, 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 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S65) .
Danger of poisoning if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
Risk of injury if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of hydraulic fluid in a suitable container.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S65) .
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Clamp off battery negative lead . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Disengage both brake hoses from spring strut holder, remove both brake calipers from swivel bearing and tie up. See 34 11 519 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER .
Disconnect both plug connections for pulse generators and expose lines up to holder on spring strut
Disconnect both plug connections for brake pad sensor and expose lines up to holder on spring strut
Remove reinforcement plate
Remove reinforcement cover on left and right. See 51 71 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT/RIGHT REINFORCEMENT COVER .
Remove both stabilizer links from spring strut
Disconnect pressure line from power steering gear . See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) POWER STEERING GEAR (M3) .
Disconnect return line from power steering gear . See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) POWER STEERING GEAR (M3) .
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .

Release nut (1) for return line (2).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque, see 32 41 PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .

Fig 1: Identifying Return Line With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut (1) and bolts (2).

Disconnect pressure line (3) from front axle carrier holder.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque, see 32 41 PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .

Fig 2: Identifying Pressure Line Bolts With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fold both holders (2) downwards.

Tie up hydraulic lines.

Installation:

Tightening torque, see 32 41 PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .

Fig 3: Identifying Both Holders With Screws

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 both spring struts from spring strut dome .

Lower front axle support .

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
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. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .