31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 030
• 31 5 251
• 31 5 255
• 31 5 256
• 33 5 206

In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

Necessary preliminary tasks 

• Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
• Remove FRONT WHEELS .
• Remove underbody protection at front and rear  . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
• Remove STEERING GEAR COVER AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT.
• Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR .
• Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.
• Remove steering shaft from steering box.
• Remove HYDRAULIC LINES FROM VALVE BLOCK (only on version with Dynamic Drive).
• Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to hydraulic steering gear (only on version with active front steering).

Release screws (1).

Remove front left/right wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note: 

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 1: Identifying Cover And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Air Duct And Screws

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Release screws (1).

Release deformation element (3) from front axle support (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Deformation Element, Front Axle Support And Screws

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Release bolt (1) and remove holder (2) from oil line

Fig 4: Identifying Oil Line Holder And Bolt

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Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut.

Fig 5: Securing Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (33 5 206)

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Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Remove spring strut from wishbone (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ.

Fig 6: Identifying Spring Strut Wishbone And Mounting Nut

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Engage 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 255, 31 5 256, 31 5 251 And 00 2 030)

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Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 8: Identifying Jacking Points

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Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 9: Supporting Front Axle Using Jack (00 2 030)

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Release screws (1, 2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ.

Installation note: 

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS. 

1. = M12x1.5x65 screw
2. = M12x1.5x95 screw
   Fig 10: Identifying Screws

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Lower front axle support by max. 10 cm.

After installation 

• FILL AND BLEED HYDRAULIC SYSTEM .
• Check line connections for leaks.
• DYNAMIC DRIVE START-UP .