31 11 001 Replacing front axle support

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WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that:

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) , SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) , or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S63) (M6).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Lower front axle support . See 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) or 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) - M6 .
Remove both wishbones. See removing/installing procedures for applicable vehicle in STRUTS WITH RUBBER MOUNTS .
Remove both tension struts from front axle carrier. See 31 12 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TRAILING LINK or 31 12 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING THE LEFT OR RIGHT TRAILING LINK (M6) .
Remove steering gear. See 32 13 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING ELECTRIC STEERING BOX (EPS) , 32 13 076 REPLACING ELECTRICAL STEERING BOX ACTIVE STEERING , 32 13 075 REMOVING AND INSTALLING ELECTRICAL STEERING BOX ACTIVE STEERING or 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING HYDRAULIC STEERING GEAR .

Remove front axle support from the special tool with assistance of a 2nd person and down on a suitable support.

Modify both engine mounts on front axle support. Refer to:

For N63

For N55

For S63

Installation note:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Teach in END STOP SOFTWARE (M6).
Perform wheel alignment check. 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) .