31 12 004 Removing and installing/replacing left or right lower control arm

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L, 2015 BMW Alpina B7, 2015 BMW 750i, 2015 BMW 750Li, and 2015 BMW 740i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT:

With vehicles F01, F02 and F07 up to version 02/2010, only replace control arms in pairs!
Read and comply with any BMW Parts Department notes.
If the lower control arm is detached from the front axle support, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel alignment. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove FRONT WHEEL
Remove STEERING BOX COVER
Remove GAITER from steering box

Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Release spring strut from control arm (2).

Installation note:

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Replace screw and nut.

Tighten down screw connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Fig 1: Identifying Control Arm With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) and remove control arm (2) from front axle support.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Installation note:

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Replace screw and nut.

Tighten down screw connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Fig 2: Identifying Control Arm With Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Do not release control arm from swivel bearing with impact tool.

The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.

Rubber boot of control arm must not be damaged!

Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Release nut (1) and remove control arm (2) from swivel bearing.

Tightening torque 31 12 4AZ .

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 3: Identifying Swivel Bearing Control Arm With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .