31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (universal lifter)

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

Special tools required:

00 2 030 .
31 5 251
31 5 253
31 5 255 .

WARNING: Danger to life!
Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels .
If necessary, remove underbody protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove complete exhaust system . See EXHAUST SYSTEM, COMPLETE .
Remove bumper trim . See 51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM .
Remove wheel arch cover on bumper brackets on left and right . See 51 71 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection on ride-height sensor and expose line up to engine carrier

IMPORTANT: If the steering spindle is separated from the steering gear, this can result in damage to the steering column switch cluster when the steering wheel is turned!

Release screw (1).

Detach lower section of steering spindle (2) from steering gear and swing towards rear.

Installation:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw securing adhesive.

Replace screw.

Fig 1: Detaching Lower Section Of Steering Spindle And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the lines are not damaged.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections On Steering Gear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the lead of the pulse generator is not damaged.

Disengage lead (1) of pulse generator on left and right from holder on front axle carrier.

Fig 3: Identifying Lead Of Pulse Generator

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Release screws (1) and remove stabilizer link (2).

Installation:

First mount front axle carrier on engine carrier and then tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 22 11 6AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Link And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) on bumper holder on left.

Installation:

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Screws On Bumper Holder

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on right.

Installation:

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the line is not damaged.

Unclip cable holder (2).

Cut open cable tie (3).

Installation:

Replace cable tie.

Fig 6: Identifying Cable Tie And Cable Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Risk 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 lifting platform

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 253 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 255) And (00 2 030)

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Release screws (1 to 3).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts.

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screws (1) M12x85
Tightening torque 31 11 1AZ .
Replace screws (2) N10x60.
Tightening torque 31 11 5AZ .
Screws (3) M12x62
Tightening torque 31 11 2AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Front Axle Screws Location
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When lowering the front axle carrier, it is absolutely essential to make sure that the control head (1) of the electric steering gear (EPS) does not collide in area (2) with the bulkhead!
Collision with the bulkhead may result in damage to the electric steering gear (EPS)!

Fig 10: Identifying Control Head Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When lowering and raising, make sure there is freedom of movement between front axle carrier, transmission and A/C lines.

Lower front axle carrier max. to dimension (A) = 120 mm.

Fig 11: Identifying Lower Front Axle Carrier Dimension

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IMPORTANT: Seal (1) of electric steering gear (EPS) must always be replaced.

Fig 12: Identifying Seal Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Version with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment . See 61 31 996 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).