33 53 000 Removing And Installing / Replacing Rear Left Or Right Coil Spring

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

Special tools required:

31 3 341
31 3 357

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.
Observe manufacturer's instructions.

IMPORTANT: Except M5, M6 and E67: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in the event of corrosion breakage!
M5, M6 and E67: For safety reasons, both coil springs on the relevant axle must always be replaced on motorsport and safety vehicles!

NOTE: The coil spring is assigned after the vehicle identification number has been entered and the optional extras of the relevant vehicle selected (refer to electronic spare parts catalogue).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear spring strut shock absorber . See 33 52 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER .

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tool 31 3 357 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (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 Tools And Locking Pins

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WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 357 when tensioned!
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool 31 3 357

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Mark installation position of support bearing to spring strut shock absorber using a stud (arrow).

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Installation Position Of Support Bearing

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Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove plate and support bearing with upper spring pad.

Remove spring strut shock absorber with support pot, rear auxiliary damper, protective tube and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 4: Removing Nut

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Relieve tension on coil spring.

Remove coil spring from special tools 31 3 357 .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool 31 3 357

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Assembly:

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

Accommodate coil spring with special tools 31 3 357 .

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

Position the coil spring so that both ends of the spring lie outside special tools 31 3 357 by approx. one turn (W).

Tension coil spring.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool 31 3 357

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Check rear auxiliary damper (1), protective tube and lower spring pad (2) for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Auxiliary Damper And Lower Spring Pad

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Insert spring strut shock absorber in tensioned coil spring and align to end of coil spring using lower spring pad.

Fig 8: Identifying Spring Strut Shock Absorber And Tensioned Coil Spring

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NOTE: Make sure end of coil spring is correctly seated in lower spring pad.

Fig 9: Identifying Correct Installation Position Of Coil Spring In Lower Spring Pad

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Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing to piston rod. Use lower spring pad to align support bearing to end of coil spring.

Fig 10: Identifying Support Bearing Alignment To End Of Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach plate to piston rod.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Align support bearing by way of a stud (arrow) to marking on spring strut shock absorber.

Fig 11: Identifying Installation Position Of Support Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate or support bearing.

Tighten down nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - ALPINA .

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Fig 12: Removing Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Check headlight adjustment , correct if necessary. See 63 10 004 ADJUSTING HEADLIGHTS .