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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 BMW 550i and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 3 340 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .
31 3 341
31 3 357

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: Clamping Special Tool (31 3 341) In Vice

G04759836

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: Compressing Coil Spring

G04759837

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 Shock Absorber

G04759839

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 With Protective Tube

G04759840

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 357)

G04759861

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: Tensioning Upper Section Of Coil Spring

G05511716

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 Tool (31 3 357) With Coil Spring

G04759861

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 With Protective Tube

G04759840

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: Inserting Shock Absorber In Tensioned Coil Spring

G04759841

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 . See 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS.

Fig 10: Removing Shock Absorber

G04759839

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 Threaded Pin Position

G05511721

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 12: Aligning Support Bearing Of Spring Pad To End Of Coil Spring

G04759843

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: Coil Spring Must Rest On Stop Of Spring Pad

G04759842

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.