31 11 506 Lowering/Raising Front Axle Carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
00 2 040
31 4 012
33 3 274

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S85) .

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Seal off hydraulic lines with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S85) .
Remove reinforcement plate .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides.
If necessary, remove wheel suspension cover on both sides.
Remove lower steering spindle from power steering gear. See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection on EH converter and expose line up to engine carrier.
If necessary, disconnect plug connection on ride-height sensor and expose line up to engine carrier.
If necessary, unclip vacuum line for engine mount on engine support arm.

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir.

Remove bottom right wheel arch trim. See 51 71... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT (BOTTOM) RIGHT WHEEL ARCH TRIM .

Release nut (1) for Dynamic Drive return line. Tightening torque 35 Nm.

Release nut (2) for Dynamic Drive pressure line. Tightening torque 30 Nm.

Release nuts (3) for pressure lines to front axle oscillating motor. Tightening torque 30 Nm.

Fig 1: Identifying Dynamic Drive Return Line Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connections (1, 2).

Expose wiring harness (3) up to front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 lifting platform

If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tool 31 4 012 into corresponding receptacles of special tool 00 2 040.

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle carrier.

NOTE: Make sure when raising that the special tools 31 4 012 are correctly inserted in the rear recesses on the front axle carrier.
Support front axle carrier in rear area by raising special tool 00 2 040.
Position special tool 33 3 274 on floor jack mounting.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (33 3 274) And (31 4 012)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to power steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!
When lowering and raising, make sure the cover for the relevant tension strut rubber mount is free to move.

Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Heli-coil thread inserts.

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

Tighten to specified torque. See FRONT AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 4: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
The following operation must be carried out during lowering:

N54 with automatic transmission: Release screws (1) and remove bracket (2) for transmission oil cooler lines from front axle carrier

Lower front axle carrier 100 mm.

Fig 5: Identifying Bracket Screws For Transmission Oil Cooler Lines From Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Version with Dynamic Drive:
- Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
- Check pipe connections for leaks
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering
Carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation