33 53 000 Removing and installing / replacing rear left or right coil spring

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

NOTE: Use spring tensioner 33 5 100 to remove and install the coil spring in order to avoid overelongating the rubber mounts (wishbone, control arm, swinging arm).

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced in the event of corrosion breakage.
The spring pads at the top and bottom must also be renewed when replacing the coil springs.
Avoid damaging the coil spring coating.

NOTE: The coil spring is allocated in the Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) under the item "Spring table" after the vehicle identification number has been entered and the optional equipments of the car have been selected.

WARNING: Before using the special tool 33 5 100 take care to read through the Owner's Handbook!
All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!
Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Installation note:

All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove REAR WHEEL .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SWINGING ARM .
Remove REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FROM SWINGING ARM (remove brake hose).
Lower workshop jack and place to one side.

Removal

Lever conical cover (1) with a suitable tool out of lower spring pad.

Fig 1: Identifying Conical Cover

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Feed spindle 33 5 103 into coil spring and turn synchronizing key 33 5 104 downwards.

Fig 2: Inserting Spindle (33 5 103) Into Coil Spring

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Insert lower spring cup 33 5 102 into coil spring and turn downwards over spindle 33 5 103 .

Fig 3: Inserting Lower Spring Cup (33 5 102) Into Coil Spring

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Insert upper spring cup 33 5 101 sideways into coil spring and turn fully upwards.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Align spring tensioner 33 5 100 centrally in order to obtain the largest possible contact surface on the coil spring.
Make sure hexagon cap (1) is correctly seated in upper spring cup 33 5 101 .

Fig 4: Inserting Upper Spring Cup (33 5 101) Sideways Into Coil Spring

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WARNING: Danger of injury!
Make sure coil spring is correctly positioned in spring cups.

Fig 5: Identifying Coil Spring Installation Position

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WARNING: Danger of injury!
Make sure detent pin (1) is correctly positioned in recesses of lower spring cup 33 5 102 .

Fig 6: Identifying Detent Pin Position In Recesses Of Lower Spring Cup (33 5 102)

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Check installation position of spring tensioner 33 5 100 , correcting if necessary.

NOTE: Make sure there is sufficient clearance (A = 7 cm) between spindle 33 5 103 and lower spring pad.

Fig 7: Checking Installation Position Of Spring Tensioner (33 5 100)

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Tension coil spring using special tool 33 5 105 ; if necessary, grip coil spring.

Turn coil spring through A = 30° in clockwise direction.

Press wheel carrier downwards a little and remove coil spring sideways.

Fig 8: Identifying Coil Spring Movement Angle

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Remove upper spring pad (1) from coil spring, check for damage and replace if necessary.

If necessary, relieve tension on coil spring.

Fig 9: Identifying Upper Spring Pad

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Installation:

Check lower spring pad (1) for damage.

IMPORTANT: Make sure spring pad is correctly installed in order to prevent the coil spring from jumping out.

If necessary, lever out upper part (2) with a suitable tool and replace spring pad with upper part.

Fig 10: Identifying Lower Spring Pad With Upper Part

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IMPORTANT: Make sure spring pad is correctly installed in order to prevent the coil spring from jumping out.

Install upper spring pad (1) in locator or frame side member and turn clockwise as far as it will go.

Fig 11: Identifying Upper Spring Pad

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IMPORTANT: Make sure coil spring is correctly seated in spring pads.

Insert coil spring with spring tensioner 33 5 100 between upper and lower spring pads and relieve tension.

Relieve tension on spring tensioner 33 5 100 and remove.

Fig 12: Inserting Coil Spring Using Spring Tensioner (33 5 100)

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After installation

Check HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT , correct if necessary.