31 11 506 Lowering/Raising Front Axle Support (Universal Lifter)

Special tools required:

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

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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEELS
Remove complete exhaust system. See COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N12) or COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N14) .
Remove LOWER BUMPER PANEL
Partially remove FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS
Remove UNDERBODY PANELLING LEFT AND RIGHT
Only on left side at ride height sensor: Release PLUG CONNECTION AT SENSOR and move back cable.

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

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque: 28 Nm

Detach lower section of steering shaft (2) from steering box and swing towards rear.

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Fig 1: Identifying Screw And Swing Lower Steering Spindle Section

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on steering box.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cable is not damaged!

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disengage cable (1) of pulse sensor on left and right from holder on front axle support.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cable of the pulse sensor is not damaged!

Fig 3: Identifying Cable And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove anti-roll bar link (2).

Tightening torque: 108 Nm

Installation note:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Screws And Stabilizer Link

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) on bumper holder on left.

Tightening torque: 18.5 Nm

Fig 5: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) on bumper holder on right.

Tightening torque: 18.5 Nm

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering front axle that cable is not damaged!

Unclip cable tie (2).

Cut open cable strap (3).

Installation note:

Replace cable strap.

Fig 6: Identifying Cable Holder, Cable Tie And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

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

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

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 support.

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

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle support must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Fig 8: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 255 And 31 5 253) To Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screws (1) M12x85
Tightening torque: 100 Nm

Replace screws (2) M10x60
Jointing torque: 59 Nm

Angle of rotation: 90 °

Screws (3) M12x62
Tightening torque: 100 Nm

Fig 9: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING:

Risk of damage!

When lowering the front axle support, it is absolutely essential to make sure that the control head (1) of the electric steering box (EPS) does not collide in area (2) with the bulkhead!

Collision with the bulkhead may result in damage to the electric steering box (EPS)!

Fig 10: Identifying Control Head And Electric Steering Gear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 11: Identifying Lower Front Axle Carrier Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Gasket (1) of electric steering box (EPS) must always be replaced!

Fig 12: Identifying Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.