31 12 000 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Control Arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the control arm is detached from the front axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Except M3:

Remove front wheel . See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
Remove front underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Except M3:

If necessary, remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm.

Fig 1: Locating Jointed Rod Of Ride-Height Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

M3 only:

Slacken nut (1).

Remove jointed rod (2) from control arm.

Installation:

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Tightening torque. Refer to 37 14 3AZ in 37 14 ELECTRIC COMPONENTS .

Fig 2: Identifying Control Arm Jointed Rod, Sensor Lever And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at Torx socket (T40).

Installation:

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 12 4AZ in 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Remove screw towards front; if necessary remove bracket (2) with ride-height sensor.

Take off control arm.

Installation:

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten down bolt connection in normal position . See 32 00... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 12 3AZ in 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 4: Identifying Bracket And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .