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31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2015 BMW Alpina B7L xDrive, 2015 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive, 2015 BMW 750i xDrive, 2015 BMW 750Li xDrive, and 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required: 

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 vehicle hoist.
IMPORTANT:

Before lowering front axle support:

Observe SAFETY INFORMATION  for raising the vehicle

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

Load spring strut domes with sand bags

WARNING:

Secure engine in INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.

Before lowering the front axle support, you must release the STEERING SHAFT on the steering box!

If this is not carried out, the bulkhead steering shaft bearing will be damaged!

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

Release screws (1).

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

Installation note: 

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover And Mounting Screws
G06889548Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Air Duct And Mounting Screws
G06889549Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ .

Release screw (2) and remove.

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ

Release front axle support (3) from deformation element (4).

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Support, Deformation Element And Mounting Screws
G08512251Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) and remove left and right holder (2).

Expose oil lines.

Fig 4: Identifying Holder And Screw
G08512252Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut (2).

Fig 5: Securing Swivel Bearing On Spring Strut Using Special Tool (33 5 206)
G06889552Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Remove spring strut from lower control arm (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Lower Control Arm And Nut
G08512254Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 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.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.
Fig 7: Connecting Special Tools On Telescopic Supports
G08512255Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Align special tool 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to front axle support.

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

Fig 8: Supporting Front Axle Support Using Workshop Jack (00 2 030)
G08512256Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1, 2, 3) from front axle support.

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note: 

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

  1. = M12x1.5x65 screw
  2. = screw M12x1.5x145
  3. = screw M12x1.5x95
  4. Fig 9: Identifying Front Axle Support Mounting Screws
    G08512257Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT:

When lowering and lifting, pay attention to hoses and lines of hydraulic steering/Dynamic Drive depending on vehicle equipment! Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

If necessary, release lines and hoses

Carefully lower front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Lower front axle support by max. 10 cm.

After installation: