31 00... Instructions (damage to suspension)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Substandard roadholding, atypical noises, tires worn on one side, camber and toe-in values which deviate from nominal value and mis-shaped components are all indicators of damage to the suspension caused by road traffic accidents or similar impacts.

To repair vehicle correctly, depending on condition of vehicle, perform the following troubleshooting procedure:

You must also follow the rules and guidelines for accident-related repairs to the steering gear .

Troubleshooting

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Vehicle condition	Possible cause	Remedy
1 Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible	a) Screw connection not OK	a) Check screw connections: TIE ROD END to swivel bearing TIE ROD to power steering gear POWER STEERING GEAR or ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR to front axle carrier
	b) Tie rod or journal of tie rod end is deformed	b) Replace BOTH TENSION STRUTS , LEFT OR RIGHT SWIVEL BEARING , LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD IMPORTANT: If the journal of the tie rod end is deformed, the POWER STEERING GEAR or ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR must also be replaced
	c) One or both tension struts is/are deformed	c) Replace BOTH TENSION STRUTS , LEFT OR RIGHT SWIVEL BEARING .
	d) Control arm deformed	d) Replace CONTROL ARM , TENSION STRUT and SWIVEL BEARING
2 Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible	Powerful forces acting on steering/front axle components	Replace TIE RODS Replace LEFT OR RIGHT SWIVEL BEARING Replace POWER STEERING GEAR or ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR Replace BOTH TENSION STRUTS Replace CONTROL ARM
3 Camber/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment not possible	Powerful forces acting on front axle with distortion of:
	a) Screw connections	a) Check screw connections, replace the relevant part if necessary
	b) Front axle support	b) Replace FRONT AXLE CARRIER
	c) See Pt. 1b) to d) above.	c) See Pt. 1b) to d) above.
	f) Spring strut/piston rod	d) Replace SPRING STRUT