37 11 032 Replacing front left or right spring strut (adaptive M suspension)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 3 340
31 2 230
31 3 341
2 240 516
2 240 482
2 240 523
2 240 487
2 240 290
2 240 490
33 0 040

IMPORTANT:

When replacing the spring strut, replace the auxiliary damper as well!

WARNING: Before using the special tool 31 3 340 take care to read through the Owner's Handbook!
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:

Use special tool approved by BMW only!
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!
Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT SPRING STRUT

Release nut (1), remove holder (2) and remove screw (3).

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 and pull off spring strut.

Installation note:

Keep press fit of swivel bearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Spring Strut Nut, Holder And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Expand swivel bearing (1) with special tool 31 2 230. Align swivel bearing (1) to positioning pin (2) on the rear side of the spring strut along the gap and slide all the way in.

Fig 2: Aligning Swivel Bearing To Positioning Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tool 2 240 516 and 2 240 482 onto special tool 31 3 341 until retaining bolt (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Insert the centering insert 2 240 523 in the round tensioning plate 2 240 482 .

Check seating of special tools 2 240 516 and 2 240 482 with centering insert 2 240 523, correct if necessary.

Fig 3: Fitting Special Tool (2 240 482) Onto Special Tool (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation of "spring brake" onto round tensioning plate:

Move counter support 2 240 486 into the correct position/bore hole (see Fig 4)

Standard suspension: Screw connection using bore holes 1 and 17
Sport suspension: Screw connection using bore holes 7 and 15

Turn centering insert 2 240 253 until counter support 2 240 486 can be screwed into place at the specified position.

Screw together counter support with round tension plate and centering insert with screws (1) so they are hand-tight.

Fig 4: Moving Counter Support (2 240 486) Into Bore Hole

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean coil spring to remove contamination.

Spring must be free of grease, clean and dry.

Insert spring strut into spring tensioner.

WARNING: Insert the guide pins (1) of the support bearing must fit into the recesses on the centering insert 2 240 523.
The support bearing must be completely fitted against the centering ring 2 240 523.
The lower spring coil must be placed completely into the recess of special tool 2 240 516!

Fig 5: Inserting Guide Pins On Centering Insert (2 240 523)

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Attach pressure plate 2 240 487 with the screws 2 240 290!

The gummed side of the pressure plate 2 240 487 must be fitted against the top spring coil.

Position the spring strut so that the end of the spring (1) protrudes by 40 mm beyond the pressure plate 2 240 487 .

Tighten the screws 2 240 490 evenly at 7 Nm.

Fig 6: Locating Spring End And Pressure Plate Distance

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IMPORTANT: The pressure plate 2 240 487 must be aligned parallel with the top spring coil (1)!
When the end of the spring begins turning relative to the pressure plate, stop tensioning immediately.
The pressure plate must be checked for correct seating, and the rubber-coated facing and pressure plate also checked for wear!

Tension coil spring with spring tensioner 31 3 341 until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 7: Aligning Pressure Plate (2 240 487) With Top Spring Coil

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Release nut with special tool 33 0 040.

Remove the spring strut with auxiliary damper.

Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!

Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!

Fig 8: Releasing Nut With Special Tool (33 0 040)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Remove the spring pad (1) and mount onto the new spring strut, replace if necessary.

Replace the auxiliary damper (2).

Fig 9: Identifying Auxiliary Damper And Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert spring strut into tensioned coil spring.

IMPORTANT: Align the lower end of the spring (1) flush with the spring pad (2).
Check installation position of the protective tube and correct fold if necessary.

Fig 10: Identifying Spring Pad

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Replace nut and tighten down with special tool 33 0 040.

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ .

Relieve tension on coil spring and remove spring strut.

Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!

Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!

Fig 11: Tightening Down Nut With Special Tool (33 0 040)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE .
Use the diagnosis system to perform the wheel speed accelerator sensor adjustment.
-> see service functions/start-up VDM