31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter) (M5)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

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.
Secure engine in installation position.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

SECURE engine in installation position.
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .
Remove STEERING GEAR COVERS AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LEFT FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Remove FRONT WHEEL ARCH PANELS (front and rear sections) on left and right.

Preparing special tool:

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 1: Identifying Special Tools

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Release screw (1).

Lift the auxiliary water cooler (2) out of the holder and hang to the side.

(Graphic: Left side of auxiliary water cooler. Repair work on right side of auxiliary water cooler is identical.)

IMPORTANT: Risk of cooler fin damage.

Fig 2: Lifting Auxiliary Water Cooler Out Of Holder

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Release screws (1).

(Graphic: Left side of screw connection. Repair work on right side of screw connection is identical.)

Fig 3: Identifying Auxiliary Water Cooler Screw

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut.

Fig 4: Securing Swivel Bearing On Spring Strut Using Special Tool (33 5 206)

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Release nut (3) and remove screw.

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Release spring strut (1) from wishbone (2).

Installation note:

Replace screw and nut.

Fig 5: Identifying Spring Strut, Wishbone And Nut

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Release screw (1) on steering shaft.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Detach steering shaft lower section.

Installation note:

Replace screw (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Screw From Vehicle Underbody

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Release screw (1) from left engine mount.

Tightening torque 22 11 2AZ .

Position engine mount on front axle support.

Fig 7: Identifying Engine Mount Screw

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Fig 8: Supporting Front Axle Support By Operating Workshop Jack 00 2 030

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Align special tool 31 5 255 and 31 5 253 to front axle support.

Allow engine oil cooler to hang between front profile rail pair.

IMPORTANT: Risk of cooler fin damage.

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

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Pay attention to routing of electrical lines, engine oil pipes and coolant lines when lowering and raising!
Lines must not be damaged!
Engine oil pipes (engine oil cooling) must not be kinked, stretched or bent.

Release screws (1, 2 and 3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

Replace screws (3)

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

M12x1.5x65 screw
M12x1.5x95 screw
M10x35 screw

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

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.