31 12 000 Removing and installing left or right control arm

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Only on left side at ride-height sensor:

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 5AZ .

Remove bracket (3) from control arm.

Installation:

Sensor lever (4) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Align bracket (3) by way of lug (2) to corresponding opening in control arm.

Fig 1: Identifying Sensor Lever, Bracket, Lug And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

During removal and installation:

Unfasten nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

Press control arm off swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 310 .

Fig 2: Pressing Control Arm Of Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (31 2 310)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Keep wheel guide joint to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Replacement:

Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Installation:

Keep wheel control joint (2) to control arm connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Control Joint With Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Screw special tool 31 1 040 onto joint.

Strike joint from below to release it from taper in front axle carrier.

Installation:

Keep control arm to front axle carrier connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 4: Positioning Special Tool Onto Joint

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Replace self-locking nut.

Remove control arm with bracket from front axle carrier.

Fig 5: Identifying Control Arm With Bracket Of Front Axle Carrier

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After installation

Version with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: Only cars with DSC are fitted with a steering angle sensor (integrated in the steering-column switch cluster).