31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (AWD Vehicle)

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.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. Refer to 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) , 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55, N52T, N53) , 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N57) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N20) .

Before lowering the front axle support, you must release the steering shaft . See 32 31 211 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING or 32 31 211 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING on the steering box! If this is not carried out, the bulkhead steering shaft bearing will be damaged!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position. Refer to 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) , 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55, N52T, N53) , 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N57) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N20) .
Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE
Remove STEERING BOX COVER AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.
Unlock plug connection on steering box and disconnect.
Remove steering shaft from steering box . See 32 31 211 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING or 32 31 211 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH CORRUGATED TUBING .
MARK steering box on front axle support and release. Pull steering box forward slightly and tie up.

Release screws (1).

Remove front left/right wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note:

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 1: Identifying Bumper Trim Arch Cover And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Air Duct With Screws

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Release screws (1).

Release deformation element (3) from front axle support (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Deformation Element, Front Axle Support And Screws

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut (2).

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

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Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Remove spring strut from lower wishbone (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 5: Removing Spring Strut From Lower Wishbone

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Release plug connection (1) and screw (2) on left engine support and remove screw.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connection And Engine Support Screw

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Unlock and disconnect plug connection (1) at front axle support.

Fig 7: Identifying Front Axle Support Plug Connection

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Unclip cable clip (1) on the frame side rail.

Release screw (2) on cable clip.

IMPORTANT: When lowering and raising, pay attention to routing of electrical cables (3)!
Lines must not be damaged!

Fig 8: Identifying Cable Clip On Frame Side Rail 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.

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

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

Fig 9: Connecting Special Tools On Telescopic Supports

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

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

Fig 10: Supporting Front Axle Support Using Workshop Jack (00 2 030)

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

When lowering and raising, pay attention to routing of electrical cables!

Lines must not be damaged!

Hydraulic lines (ARS) must not be kinked/stretched/bent.

If necessary, detach hydraulic line from mounting.

Release screws (1, 2, 3) from front axle support.

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note:

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

(1, 2) = screw M12x1.5x65

(3) = screw M12x1.5x95

Fig 11: Identifying Front Axle Support Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully lower front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.

After installation:

Check lines and hoses for tightness.