31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (M3, universal lifter)

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.

Special tools required:

00 2 030

MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS

31 5 251
31 5 253
31 5 256

FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle carrier:
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 with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S65) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position with special tool .
Remove reinforcement plate .
Remove rear underbody protection . See 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove reinforcement cover on left and right . See 51 71 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT/RIGHT REINFORCEMENT COVER .
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear .

Disconnect plug connection (1) on ride-height sensor.

Disconnect plug connection (2) for Servotronic electrohydraulic converter.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Risk 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

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 256, 31 5 253 And 31 5 251 With 00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 253 and 31 5 256 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 3: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 253 And 31 5 256) To Front Axle Carrier

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 (1-4).

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.

Installation:

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

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screw (1) M12x90
Screw (2) M12x145
Screw (3) M12x53
Screw (4) M10x42

Fig 4: Front Axle Carrier Screws Tightening/Loosening Sequence

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2, 3, 4).

Tightening torque, see 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .