31 11 506 Lowering/Raising Front Axle Carrier (AWD)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 040
31 4 060
31 4 070

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down.

IMPORTANT: Before installing the front axle carrier, make sure there is zinc foil (1) present on middle bolting point (2).
Replace damaged zinc foil (1).
Do not stick over zinc foil (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Zinc Foil And Middle Bolting Point

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Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position
Remove reinforcement plate
Remove steering gear cover on both sides
Remove lower steering spindle from power steering gear
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from EH converter and remove line from front axle carrier
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor and remove line from front axle carrier
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line of electrically operated valve from Y-distributor and expose

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

Insert special tool 31 4 070 into corresponding receptacles 1 and 2 of special tool 00 2 040.

Insert special tool 31 4 060 with marking 1 into receptacle 4 of special tool 00 2 040.

Insert special tool 31 4 060 with marking 2 into receptacle 3 of special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 060), (31 4 070) And (00 2 040)

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

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle carrier.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support front axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 040.

NOTE: Make sure when raising that special tools 31 4 070 and 31 4 060 are correctly inserted in the front or rear recesses on the front axle carrier.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 070), (31 4 060) And (33 3 274)

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M57T2:

NOTE: This bracket is only installed on the left side.

Release bolts (1).

Tightening torque 31 10 13AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Bracket Bolt

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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).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Screws

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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

Fig 6: Identifying Screws And Bracket
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Lower front axle carrier until power steering gear rests on output shaft.

Fig 7: Identifying Lower Front Axle Carrier

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After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment