LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> BMW >> 2011 >> 135i 2D Convertible, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Front Axle - Repair >> Spring Strut >> 51 71 371 Removing and installing/replacing trailing link on left or right spring strut dome

51 71 371 Removing and installing/replacing trailing link on left or right spring strut dome

Special tools required: 

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Driving without the tension strut is not permissible, as the body can be damaged.
Tension strut bolts must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120 .
IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Latch mechanism (2) and gasket (3) of the cover (1) must not be damaged.
Even minor damage to the cover (1) can lead to water ingress; replace cover (1) if necessary.
NOTE: Cover (1) available in two versions:
  1. Turn cover (with notch) about 45° to the left
    Fig 1: Removing Trailing Link Cover
    G09851185Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  2. Disengage cover (without notch) in upward direction

Remove cover (1) and release screw underneath.

Version A: 

NOTE: Grommet (3) must not be pulled out of the bulkhead, as correct feeding in is not possible in installed state.

Release screw (1).

Hold down grommet (3) and pull out tension strut (2) in direction of arrow.

Fig 2: Pulling Tension Strut
G09851186Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Replace screws.

Feed tension strut (1) carefully into the grommet (2).

Tighten screws to torque and then tighten to angle of rotation using special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 51 71 2AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut And Grommet
G09851187Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version B: 

Loosen the nuts (1) and remove the strut brace (2).

Tightening torque 51 71 19AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Strut Brace And Nut
G09849064Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: The nuts shown must be used to ensure the screw connection of the strut brace ring is correct.
Fig 5: Identifying Self-Locking Nuts
G06180720Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip protective cap (1) and disconnect plug connection underneath.

Slacken nuts (2) and remove the strut brace ring (3).

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note: 

Make sure the protective cap (1) is correctly seated.

Replace nuts (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Strut Brace, Nut And Protective Cap
G06180704Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.