33 52 131 Replacing rear left or right spring strut shock absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

NOTE:

Version with Electronic Damper Control (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.

WARNING: Prior to each use of the special tool 31 3 340 , 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 SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 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 Tool 31 3 357 And Locking Pins

G04742572

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 31 3 357 !

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools 31 3 357

G04742573

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove plate and support bearing with spring pad.

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

Fig 3: Removing Nut

G04742575

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Auxiliary Damper And Spring Pad

G04742576

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools 31 3 357

G04742597

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly:

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 special tools 31 3 357 .

Fig 6: Identifying Coil Spring Position

G04742598

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Identifying Special Tools 31 3 357

G04742597

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 8: Identifying Auxiliary Damper And Spring Pad

G04742576

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Identifying Coil Spring

G04742577

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 33 52 2AZ .

Fig 10: Tightening Nut

G04742575

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 11: Identifying Rubber Mount And Bush

G05476838

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 12: Aligning Spring Pad With End Of Coil Spring

G04742579

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Relieve tension on coil spring.

Fig 13: Identifying Lower End Of Coil Spring

G04742578

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.