31 00... Instructions (Damage To Suspension)

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.

Substandard road holding, typical noises, tires worn on one side, camber and toe-in values which deviate from nominal value and misshaped 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:

You must also follow the rules and guidelines for accident-related repairs to the steering gear.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Vehicle condition	Possible cause	Remedy
Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible	Screw connection not OK Tie rod or journal of tie rod end is deformed One or both tension struts is/are deformed Control arm deformed	Check screw connections: Tie rod end to swivel bearing Tie rod to power steering gear Power steering gear to front axle carrier 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 Replace tension strut and swivel bearing 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) 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