31 31 003 Removing and installing complete front left or right spring strut (M3, M Coupe)

NOTE: If a spring strut with support bearing without centring pin is detached from the body, it is necessary to carry out wheel alignment . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD after installation.

Installation note:

All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

IMPORTANT: Danger of injury!
Secure spring strut against falling out.

M3:

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

Unscrew nuts (2).

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note:

Make sure protective cap is correctly seated.

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Cap And Nut

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M Coupe:

Unclip protective cap (1) with a suitable tool.

Release nuts (2) underneath.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note:

Make sure protective cap is correctly seated.

Fig 2: Identifying Protective Cap And Nut

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IMPORTANT: The illustrated nuts must be used to ensure the screw connection of the suspension cross-brace ring is correct!

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 3: Identifying Self-Locking Nut

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Detach spring strut downward.

Installation note:

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Align spring strut to bore hole on wheel arch using centring pin and slide it upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Strut

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After installation: