33 52 131 Replacing Rear Left Or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber (Later Version; After 2007)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 3 340
31 3 341
31 3 357

IMPORTANT: When replacing shock absorber/spring strut, renew auxiliary damper!

WARNING:

Before using the special tool 31 3 340 (spring tensioner) take care to read through the Owner's Handbook!

All the safety information 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!

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the coil springs.

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 free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Version with EDC:

In a warranty case you must always provide a fault memory printout, even where there is no fault memory entry, with the defective part.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear spring strut shock absorber unit .

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 357 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until retaining bolts (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 357, correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 31 3 341 And 313 357

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Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 357.

WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 313 357 when tensioned!
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool 313 357

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Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove plate and support bearing with spring pad.

Remove shock absorber with support cup, auxiliary damper, protective tube and spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 3: Removing Nut

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If necessary, remove support pot, auxiliary damper (1) with protective tube and spring pad (2) from shock absorber.

Fig 4: Identifying Lower Spring Pad And Damper

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Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from special tool 31 3 357.

Fig 5: Relieve Tension On Coil Spring And Remove From Special Tool 31 3 35

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Installation:

NOTE: M5: Make sure when tensioning that the upper section of the coil spring is covered by a protective tube.

Accommodate coil spring with special tools 31 3 357 in such a way that both ends of coil spring are approx. one coil (W) outside of special tools 31 3 357.

Fig 6: Accommodate Coil Spring With Special Tools 31 3 357

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WARNING: Do not compress coil spring to full extent. Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 357!

Tension coil spring.

Fig 7: Tension Coil Spring

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Check auxiliary damper (1) with protective tube and spring pad for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 8: Check Auxiliary Damper (1) With Protective Tube And Spring Pad For Damage

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Attach support pot to piston rod.

Replacement only: Carry over marking from old part to new part.

Insert shock absorber in tensioned coil spring.

Fig 9: Insert Shock Absorber In Tensioned Coil Spring

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Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing and plate to piston rod.

Replace nut and tighten down (gripping piston rod in so doing).

Tightening torque, see 33 52 2AZ in 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Fig 10: Replace Nut And Tighten Down (Gripping Piston Rod In So Doing)

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IMPORTANT: One threaded pin (1) on the support bearing must be on one plane with the bore in the rubber mount (2) and the opposite side of the bush (3).

Fig 11: One Threaded Pin (1) On The Support Bearing Must Be On One Plane With The Bore In The Rubber Mount

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Align support bearing by way of spring pad to end of coil spring.

Lower end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad!

Fig 12: Align Support Bearing By Way Of Spring Pad To End Of Coil Spring

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Fig 13: Lower End Of Coil Spring Must Rest On Stop Of Spring Pad

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Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.