Special tools required:

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

31 2 230. See 31 2 230 SOCKET
31 5 220. See 31 5 220 SUPPORT

IMPORTANT: If the centering pin is missing from the support bearing, the position of the studs to the wheel arch must be marked so that the original camber is approximately maintained.
Only one nut may ever be released for marking.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove brake disc. See 34 11 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS
Remove stabilizer link from spring strut. See 31 35 005 Removing and installing/replacing push rod (stabilizer link) for left or right stabilizer (AWD)
Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing. See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD
Remove guide joint from swivel bearing. See 31 12 026 Removing and installing/replacing guide joint in swivel bearing (AWD)
Remove control arm from swivel bearing. See 31 12 000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right control arm (AWD)

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 lift platform

Secure special tool 31 5 220 with wheel bolts to drive flange and support swivel bearing with workshop jack. See 31 5 220 SUPPORT

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip line for lining wear sensor from swivel bearing.

Release screw (1) and remove bracket (2).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ. See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Fig 2: Identifying Bracket And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When the swivel bearing is lowered, the tripod (2) can be pulled out of the tulip (1) and fall into the rubber gaiter (3). In this event, it will be necessary to install a new output shaft because the tripod (2) can jam or a roller of the tripod (2) can slip off the moulding. The roller would then be located in the gaiter (3) or bellows and result in rapid failure.

Fig 3: Identifying Tulip, Rubber Gaiter And Tripod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.. See 31 2 230 SOCKET

Carefully lower swivel bearing.

Installation:

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to positioning pins (1) and raise with workshop jack as far as it will go. See 31 2 230 SOCKET

Fig 4: Identifying Pins And Using Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Centering pin missing: Make position of studs in relation to wheel arch.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation:

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or studs to wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque, 31 31 1AZ. See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Fig 5: Identifying Unscrew Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Replace faulty sealing washer (1).
Reinstall sealing washer (2) and plate insert (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Sealing Washer And Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin. See 32 00... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE