Front Axle (With Spring Struts): Removal

1. Remove front wheels. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL
2. Unscrew and remove splash guard.
3. Lift engine hood into assembly position and secure with a screw on left and right sides.
4. Remove acoustic cover.
5. Assemble special tool (00 0 200) with special tool (00 0 201/202/204/208) and install.
CAUTION: Only attach engine support to relevant suspension lugs.
6. Secure special tool (11 0 000) to special tool (00 0 200). See Fig 1.
7. Tighten screws (1, 2). See Fig 2.
8. Suspend engine in installation position and release engine mounts on left and right on engine support arm from above.
9. Remove left and right brake disc. See appropriate article in BRAKES. See DISC PAD
10. Disconnect plug connection for brake pad wear indicator and ABS pulse sensor on left and right.
11. Unfasten tie rod nut and press off tie rod on pitman arm with special tool (32 1 190). See Fig 3.
12. Unfasten nut and press off tie rod on other end with special tool (31 2 240). See Fig 4.
13. Remove steering gear from front axle support.
14. Remove heat shield and positive cable from front axle support. Unfasten wheel arch trim from front area of front axle support.
WARNING: Release bolt connection of front axle support from side of car. No personnel are permitted to stand underneath the front axle. Risk of injury.
15. Attach workshop hoist with special tool (31 2 220) and front axle support. Unscrew left and right bolts. See Fig 5.
16. Remove left and right nuts on wheel arch. See Fig 6.
17. If applicable, disconnect plug connection for Electronic Damper Control (EDC). Lift off cap and remove from cable.
CAUTION: Spring strut shock absorbers must not tilt or hang outwards. Damage to ball joints and wheel bearings may occur.
18. Lower car jack. Each spring strut must be held by a separate person.

Fig 1: Using Special Tool (00 0 200)

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Fig 2: Locating Engine Support Screws

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Fig 3: Pressing Off Tie Rod

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Fig 4: Pressing Off Tie Rod With Special Tool (31 2 240)

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Fig 5: Attaching Workshop Hoist

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Fig 6: Removing Nuts On Wheel Arch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.