31 11 001 Replacing Front Axle Carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Before removing front axle carrier: In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle. Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Danger to life!
See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) (N52 engine is shown; N54 is similiar).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) (N52 engine is shown; N54 is similiar).
Disconnect negative battery cable . See 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove both front wheels . See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
Remove stabilizer . See 31 35 000 Removing And Installing/Replacing Front Stabilizer .
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
E88: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture . See 51 61 017 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DIAGONAL STRUT, FRONT END, LEFT or 51 61 018 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DIAGONAL STRUT, FRONT END, RIGHT .
Remove lower section of steering spindle from steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electric changeover valve to engine mounts at T-piece
Remove both tension struts from front axle carrier . See 31 12 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH TENSION STRUTS .
Remove both control arms from front axle carrier . See 31 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT CONTROL ARM .
Remove both tie rods on steering gear . See 32 21 231 REPLACING (REMOVING AND INSTALLING) LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .

Version with active steering:

NOTE: Front axle carrier is lowered without power steering gear.

Disconnect plug connections (1) and unclip connecting line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connections And Connecting Line

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) from power steering pump and expose connecting cable up to front axle carrier.

Disconnect plug connections (2) on power steering gear.

Build date up to 03/2007: Disconnect plug connection on cumulative steering angle sensor.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Pump Plug Connection And Power Steering Gear Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower front axle carrier a little. See 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE CARRIER (SPECIAL TOOL SWZ00-2040) or 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE CARRIER (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) .

If necessary, remove heat shield over gaiter on right.

Remove steering gear from front axle carrier and tie up. See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR , 32 13 065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR or 32 13 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) ELECTRIC STEERING GEAR (EPS) .

Lower front axle support . See 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE CARRIER (SPECIAL TOOL SWZ00-2040) or 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE CARRIER (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) .

Remove heat shield(s) from front axle carrier.

If necessary, remove wiring harness for active front steering from front axle carrier.

Remove both engine mounts with vacuum lines from front axle carrier if necessary. See 22 11 001 REPLACING RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT (N54) and 22 11 011 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N54) .

Remove jacking point from front axle carrier.

Installation:

Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .