32 00 610 Adjusting toe-in and camber on front axle (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: Changes in axle geometry caused by accidents must under no circumstances be rectified by camber adjustment!

NOTE: Camber and toe-in influence each other. Adjust the toe-in first in order to simplify the adjustment procedure.
The centering pin may only be driven or twisted out if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Move steering into straight-ahead position by means of markings on cap (1) and steering gear (2).

Align steering wheel and secure with steering wheel arrester.

Fig 1: Identifying Markings On Cap And Steering Gear

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust toe-in:

Clean thread on tie rod.

Loosen screw (2).

Turn tie rod (3) and if necessary grip tie rod end (1) to adjust toe-in to setpoint value.

Tighten screw (2).

Tightening torque, see 32 21 STEERING ARMS .

If necessary, correct installation position of gaiter.

Fig 2: Adjusting Toe-In To Setpoint Value

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjusting camber:

Remove left or right suspension cross-brace . See 51 71 345 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT (OR RIGHT) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE .

Unclip protective cap (1) and disconnect plug connection underneath.

Release nuts (2) and remove suspension cross-brace ring (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Ring With Nuts

G06201317

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of corrosion!
Wrap lower end of screwdriver in adhesive tape to avoid damaging the paintwork on the spring strut dome.

Clean wheel arch from below in area of support bearing with compressed air.

Twist out centering pin (1).

Move spring strut support bearing with a suitable screwdriver (2) to adjust the camber to the setpoint value.

If necessary, repair paintwork damage on spring strut dome.

Fig 4: Identifying Centering Pin

G06201318

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to use the pictured nuts to ensure correct screw-fastening of the dome cross-brace ring!

Fig 5: Identifying Nut

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit suspension cross-brace ring (3).

Replace nuts (2) and tighten down.

Tightening torque, see 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

NOTE: Make sure protective cap is correctly seated.

Connect plug connection and fit protective cap (1).

Install left or right suspension cross-brace . See 51 71 345 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT (OR RIGHT) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE .

Fig 6: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Ring With Nuts

G06201320

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check directional stability of car; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment