32 00 610 Adjusting Toe-In And Camber On Front Axle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT:

Changes in axle geometry caused by accidents must under no circumstances be rectified by camber adjustment!

NOTE:

Camber and toe-in influence each other. Adjust the toe-in first in order to simplify the adjustment procedure.

The centering pin may only be driven or twisted out if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Version with active front steering:

Align steering wheel
Set cumulative steering angle by means of the service function "CARRY OUT INITIAL OPERATION/ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING " to "zero".
Install special tool 32 4 150 to secure active front steering power steering gear.
(Refer to ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ).

NOTE:
If special tool 32 4 150 cannot be installed, the steering wheel must be secured with the steering wheel arrester. The cumulative steering angle must remain at "zero" during the adjustment operation.

IMPORTANT:

Once the special tool 32 4 150 has been fitted, the cumulative steering angle must still be set to "zero"!

Check cumulative steering angle, reposition special tool 32 4 150 if necessary.

Version without active front steering:

If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side

Move steering into straight-ahead position by means of markings on cap (1) and steering gear (2).

Align steering wheel and secure with steering wheel arrester.

Fig 1: Identifying Markings On Cap And Steering Gear

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Adjust toe-in:

Clean thread on tie rod.

Slacken clamping nut (2), gripping tie rod end (1) in the process.

Remove clamp (4).

Adjusting procedures:

Turn tie rod (3) to adjust toe-in to specified value.
Check cumulative steering angle; if necessary, set to "zero"
Check toe values; if necessary, repeat adjustment procedure

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod, Clamping Nut And Clamp
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down clamping nut (2).

Tightening torque: 32 21 5AZ . See STEERING ARMS for specs.

Fit clamp (4).

Adjusting camber:

M5:

Disconnect connector (2).

Unclip connecting cable (1) from spring strut dome cover (3).

Detach connecting cable (1) from front spring strut.

Fig 3: Identifying Connector And Dome Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, release expander rivet (1).

If necessary, unclip spring strut dome cover (2) from front cross-strut.

Fig 4: Identifying Expander Rivet And Dom Cover

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If necessary, remove protective cap.

Knock out centering pin (1) in downwards direction.

Clean wheel arch from below in area of support bearing with compressed air.

Slacken nut (2) approx. 1 to 1.5 turns.

Fig 5: Identifying Centering Pin And Slacken Nut

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Insert special tool 32 3 190 into wheel arch opening and over nut.

Replace nuts (3) and screw on but do not tighten down fully.

Adjusting procedures:

Turn nut (4) in special tool 32 3 190 to adjust camber to specified value.
Check cumulative steering angle; if necessary, set to "zero"
Check camber values; if necessary, repeat adjustment procedure

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (32 3 190) To Adjust Camber
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down nuts (3)

Tightening torque: 31 31 1AZ . See STEERING COLUMN for specs.

Remove special tool 32 3 190 .

Replace nut (2) and tighten down.

Tightening torque: 31 31 1AZ . See STEERING COLUMN for specs.

Fig 7: Identifying Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check directional stability of car; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment
Version with active front steering: Remove special tool 32 4 150 .