31 33 001 Replacing front left or right spring strut support bearing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M6, 2010 BMW 650i, 2009 BMW M6, 2009 BMW 650i, and 2008 BMW M6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 210
31 3 341
31 3 354
31 3 355

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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 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 3 354 and 31 3 355 , correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Locking Pins And Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: During tensioning, spring plate must rest correctly in special tool 31 3 354 !
During tensioning, lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355 !
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 .

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355 .

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring And Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Remove support bearing and dust sleeve.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool 31 2 210

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If necessary, twist/drive out centering pin (1).

NOTE: If a support bearing (2) was fitted without centering pin (1), the centering pin (1) of the new support bearing (2) must be twisted or driven out.

Fig 4: Identifying Support Bearing And Centering Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly:

Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring. End of coil spring (1) must be aligned as illustrated to lower spring pad (2).

NOTE: End of coil spring (1) must not touch against shoulder of spring pad.
The recess only serves to reinforce and correctly seat the lower spring pad and does not serve as a stop for the spring end.

Fig 5: Identifying Coil Spring And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach dust sleeve and support bearing 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.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

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

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool 31 2 210

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES -- 650I

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.