31 12 002 Removing And Installing/Replacing Top Left Control Arm

Special tools required: 

• 31 5 220 

- Underdimension variant

+ Overdimension variant

These camber correction arms are used to correct the camber values by 30 minutes. To be used only if the tolerance values are exceeded or undershot!

An unmarked control arm is a standard part.

Fig 1: Identifying Underdimension And Overdimension Variant Marking On Control Arms

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform  . See 51 71 505 MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM .
• Remove left partition wall for equipment compartment  . See 51 71 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ASSEMBLY COMPARTMENT PARTITION WALL .
• Detach coolant expansion tank  and place to one side. See 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (N62TU/N52K) .
  NOTE: Level switch can slip out of the coolant expansion tank in the process.
• Remove front wheel

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut (1).

Remove jointed rod (2) from upper control arm (3).

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Jointed Rod, Upper Control Arm And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure special tool 31 5 220  to drive flange with wheel studs.

Support swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 220  and workshop jack.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 220)

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Unfasten nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Installation: 

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Note insertion direction of screw.

Screw must rest correctly in groove of ball stud.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 5: Identifying Screw And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nuts of screws (1).

Remove screws (1); if necessary, lower/raise swivel bearing and spring strut using workshop jack.

Remove control arm (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation: 

Replace screws and nuts.

Tighten screw connection in normal position  .

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 6: Identifying Control Arm And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Carry out ride-height-calibration  . See 37 12 012 CARRYING OUT RIDE-HEIGHT-CALIBRATION .