31 10 001 Completely removing and installing front axle with engine and transmission (N63 hybrid car)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

13 5 162

WARNING: High-voltage system - danger to life!
The luggage compartment must be empty to prevent the vehicle from tipping off of the vehicle hoist.
When the front axle with engine and transmission are removed, the vehicle can easily tip backward.

WARNING: The following points must be strictly observed prior to starting work:

Disconnect HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM from power
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for working with hybrid cars.

IMPORTANT: Removal weight approx. 250 kg to 450 kg.
Check payload of vehicle and empty if necessary
Load front footwell with sandbags if necessary, approx. 200 kg.
Note safety information of TABLE LIFT !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Position vehicle on vehicle hoist so its weight is centered.
Disconnect the battery
Move engine compartment lid into service position
SUCTION OFF air conditioning.
Remove and install POWER ELECTRONICS box.
Remove both INTAKE SILENCER HOUSINGS .
Remove CHARGE AIR COOLER EXPANSION TANK .
Remove COOLANT EXPANSION TANK .
Remove FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN .
Remove AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FOR CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Remove complete PROPELLER SHAFT .
Remove FRONT RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER .
Release FEED AND RETURN LINES for engine oil cooler
Remove BRAKE CALIPER on left and right
Detach STEERING SHAFT from steering box
Remove upper and lower steering box covers. See TOP RIGHT COVER , TOP LEFT COVER , and BOTTOM LEFT OR RIGHT COVER .

Release vacuum line (3) for brake servo.

Fig 1: Removing Brake Servo Vacuum Line

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Unlock coolant hose (1) and detach from coolant pipe.

Fig 2: Identifying Coolant Hose

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Release engine wiring harness from electronics box and secure on engine against falling off.

Unlock and detach all connectors (1) on DME control unit.

Unlock plug on electronics box fan and disconnect.

Unlock and detach terminal strip (2).

Unlock all plugs on plug strip (3) and detach.

Unlock plug strip (3) and remove towards top.

Fig 3: Identifying Terminal And Plug Strips

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Release screws and remove retaining bracket (1).

Unlock upper section (2) of partition seal in direction of arrow and remove.

Release grommets (3) for wiring harnesses from lower section of partition seal and from electronics box.

Installation note:

Make sure grommets are correctly seated so as to prevent ingress of moisture.

Fig 4: Removing Retaining Bracket

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Unlock and detach vacuum line (1) from vacuum pump.

Fig 5: Identifying Vacuum Line

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Release screws (1).

Detach line.

Tightening torque 64 53 5AZ .

Installation note:

Replace sealing rings and moisten with refrigerant fluid.

Fig 6: Identifying Sealing Ring And Screw

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Unlock and disconnect fuel delivery line (1), seal off with special tool 13 5 160.

Seal off fuel delivery line (2) with special tool 13 5 162 .

Fig 7: Identifying Fuel Delivery Lines

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Release nut and remove screw (3).

Fix brake caliper (1) with a suitable auxiliary materials (2).

Installation note:

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

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Screw must rest correctly in groove of ball stud.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque: 31 12 6AZ

Fig 8: Fixing Brake Caliper Using Auxiliary Materials

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Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Installation note:

Replace screw and nut.

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Tighten down screw connection in normal position.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Detach plug connection of speed sensor at front left and right.

Fig 9: Identifying Lower Arm Mounting Nut And Screw

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Turn steering wheel.

Use two mounting levers on both sides to unlock the drive shaft of the front axle differential.

Fig 10: Identifying Front Axle Differential And Drive Shaft

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Release screw (1).

Fig 11: Identifying Pipe Line Mounting Screw

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Release screw (1).

Disconnect A/C line (2).

Installation note:

Replace O-ring.

Fig 12: Identifying A/C Line And Screw

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Remove expansion tank.

Disconnect coolant hose (1) from auxiliary water pump (2).

Fig 13: Identifying Auxiliary Water Pump And Coolant Hose

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Slacken nut (1).

Release holder (2) from support plate (3).

Fig 14: Identifying Support Plate And Holder

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Disengage engine oil pipe (1) from bracket (2).

Fig 15: Identifying Engine Oil Pipe And Bracket

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IMPORTANT: Coordinate determination always begins at the top.

Position engine assembly on table top A .

Position transmission on table top B .

Table top is adjustable in a longitudinal direction (see arrow in illustration).

Structure of all-wheel drive vehicle table lift.

Position retaining elements (20) with fixture (40) on table top B for cross member at coordinates 2/2.

Position retaining elements (20) with fixture (50) on table top B for cross member at coordinates 2/7.

Position an additional retaining element (20) with fixture (80) on table top B under transmission at coordinates 4/4 and 7/5.

Fig 16: Positioning Of Engine Assembly And Transmission On Table

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Position retaining elements (20) with fixtures (60) on table top A for front axle support at coordinates 2/2 - 1/7 - 6/2 and 6/7.

Position fixture (10) on table top A for swivel bearing at coordinates 3/1 and 4/8.

Fig 17: All-Wheel Drive Vehicle Table Lift Structure

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NOTE: Possible mounting points for front axle support and transmission.

Note position (1 to 4).

Graphic diagram (E70).

Fig 18: Positioning Of Wheel Drive Vehicle Table Lift

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Secure fixture of swivel bearing (1) on brake disc with wheel studs (2).

Secure adjusting screw (3).

Fig 19: Securing Swivel Bearing Fixture On Brake Disc Using Wheel Studs

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Release screws.

Tightening torque, 22 32 4AZ.

Fig 20: Locating Brake Caliper Mounting Screws

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Release screws (1 and 2).

Installation note:

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Fig 21: Identifying Underbody Cover Mounting Screws

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With lift truck 81 22 2 184 136 and the aid of another person, carefully remove, from below, engine with transmission in front axle support combination.

NOTE: Graphic diagram (E72 hybrid).

Fig 22: Supporting Engine And Front Axle Transmission Using Lift Truck (81 22 2 184 136)

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Installation note:

The inclination of the table lift (1) can be adjusted using adjusting screws (2).

Fig 23: Adjusting Table Lift Using Adjusting Screws

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NOTE: Reassemble the vehicle.