3111001 Replacing front axle carrier

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 323i, 2010 BMW 335i, 2010 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 323i. 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: Danger to life!
See SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks

See SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL (N51) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) to prevent it from falling down.
Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE
Remove BOTH FRONT WHEELS
Remove FRONT STABILIZER BAR
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
E90, E91, E92: Remove STIFFENING STRUT
E93: Remove V-strut
E93: Remove mounting fixture
Remove LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE FROM STEERING GEAR
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece
Remove both TENSION STRUTS FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove both CONTROL ARMS FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove both TIE RODS ON STEERING GEAR

Version with active steering:

NOTE: Front axle carrier is lowered without power steering gear.

Disconnect plug connections (1) and unclip connecting line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Plug Connection And Connecting Line

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) from power steering pump and expose connecting cable up to front axle carrier.

Disconnect plug connections (2) on power steering gear.

Build date up to 03/2007: Disconnect plug connection on cumulative steering angle sensor.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Pump Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower front axle carrier See 3111506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) or 3111506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (SWZ00-2040) a little.

If necessary, remove heat shield above right tie rod gaiter.

Remove steering gear from front axle carrier See 3213070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) ELECTRIC STEERING GEAR (EPS) ; 3213060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or 3213065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR and tie up.

Lower front axle carrier See 3111506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) or 3111506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (SWZ00-2040) .

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle carrier.

If necessary, remove wiring harness (1) for active front steering from front axle carrier.

Remove both engine mounts See 2211001 REPLACING RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT (N51/N52/N52K/N53) or 2211011 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N51/N52/N52K/N53) (2).

M57T2: Release bolts and remove both support angles (3).

Tightening torque 31 10 4AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Wiring Harness And Engine Mounts With Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, disconnect vacuum line (1).

If necessary, release bolts and remove reinforcement plates (2).

Installation:

Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Tightening torque 31 10 5AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Vacuum Line And Reinforcement Plates

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Perform chassis alignment check . See 3200150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 3200155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 6131996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 3210005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .