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:

Troubleshooting

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Vehicle condition	Possible cause	Remedy
1 Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible	Screw connection not OK	Check screw connections: Tie rod end to swivel bearing Tie rod to power steering gear Power steering gear to front axle carrier
	b) Tie rod or journal of tie rod end is deformed	b) Replace tie rod, tension strut and swivel bearing IMPORTANT: If the journal of the tie rod end is deformed, the power steering gear must also be replaced
	c) One or both tension struts is/are deformed	c) Replace tension strut and 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 swivel bearing Replace power steering gear Replace tension strut Replace control arms
3 Camber/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment not possible	Powerful forces acting on front axle with distortion of:
	Screw connections Front axle support See Pt. 1b) to d) f) Spring strut/piston rod	Check screw connections, replace the relevant part if necessary Replace front axle carrier See Pt. 1b) to d) Replace spring strut