3112000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right control arm

Necessary preliminary tasks 

Except M3: 

• Remove FRONT WHEEL
• Remove FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION 

Except M3: 

If necessary, remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm.

Fig 1: Locating Jointed Rod Of Ride-Height Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

M3 only: 

Slacken nut (1).

Remove jointed rod (2) from control arm.

Installation: 

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Tightening torque 37 14 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Jointed Rod And Ride Height Sensor Lever With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at Torx socket (T40).

Installation: 

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 4AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Control Arm Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Remove screw towards front; if necessary remove bracket (2) with ride-height sensor.

Take off control arm.

Installation: 

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten down bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Ride-Height Sensor Bracket And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation 

• Perform wheel/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