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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 5 010
33 5 011
33 5 012
33 5 013
33 5 014
33 5 015
33 5 016
33 5 017
33 5 020
See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in the event of corrosion breakage!
Avoid damaging the coil spring coating.

WARNING: Prior to each use of the special tool 33 5 010 , it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully!
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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel

Removal:

Insert lower spring plate 33 5 012 centrally into coil spring and turn to lowest coil.

Guide spindles 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 from below through camber arm and lower spring plate 33 5 012 .

Fig 1: Inserting Lower Spring Plate 33 5 012 Into Coil Spring And Turn To Lowest Coil

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Insert upper spring plate 33 5 011 sideways into coil spring and turn to uppermost coil.

IMPORTANT: Make sure spindle (hexagon) is correctly seated in upper spring plate 33 5 011 .

Pull spindle 33 5 013 downwards.

Fig 2: Inserting Upper Spring Plate 33 5 011 Into Coil Spring

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WARNING: Risk of injury!
Make sure coil spring is correctly positioned in spring plates.

Fig 3: Identifying Correctly Positioned In Spring Plates

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IMPORTANT: Align special tools 33 5 011 , 33 5 012 , 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 centrally to obtain the biggest possible contact surface on the coil spring.

Check installation position of special tools 33 5 011 , 33 5 012 and 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 , correct if necessary.

Fig 4: Identifying Tension Coil Special Tools

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Tension coil spring using special tools 33 5 016 and 33 5 020 , gripping spindle of spring tensioner with special tool 33 5 017 in the process.

Remove coil spring upwards.

Fig 5: Identifying Coil Spring Special Tools

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If necessary, relieve tension on coil spring.

IMPORTANT: Replacement only:
Bottom end of coil spring (1) must be flush with opening of spring plate 33 5 012 (see dotted-dashed line)!

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (33 5 012)

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Installation:

Check spring mounts (2, 3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Remove spring plate (1) and position with upper spring pad (2) on coil spring.

NOTE: Upper spring pad (2) must come into contact with end of coil spring.
Version with rough road package: Install adapter as well.

Fig 7: Identifying Spring Plate And Mounts

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IMPORTANT: Observe the following when installing and relieving tension on coil spring:

Lower spring pad must be positively seated in the designated receptacle in the camber arm
NOTE: Otherwise there is a risk of the coil spring jumping out sideways.
Lower spring pad must come into contact with end of coil spring (see arrow)
Lower spring pad must rest flush on last coil (see broken line)

Fig 8: Identifying Lower Spring Pad
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Align coil spring by way of spring plate to opening in side member and relieve tension.

Remove special tools 33 5 011 , 33 5 012 and 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 .

Fig 9: Identifying Tension Coil Special Tools

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After installation:

Check headlight adjustment , correct if necessary