33 53 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right coil spring

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:

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced in the event of corrosion breakage.
The spring pads at the top and bottom must also be renewed when replacing the coil springs.
Avoid damaging the coil spring coating.

NOTE: The coil spring is allocated in the BMW Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) under the item "Spring table" after the vehicle identification number has been entered and the optional equipments of the car have been selected.

WARNING: Before using the special tool 33 5 010 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!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

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:

Remove REAR WHEEL .
Remove CAMBER ARM COVER .

Removal:

Insert lower spring cup 2 241 786 centrally into coil spring and turn to lowest winding.

Guide spindle 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 from below through the camber link and the lower spring cup 2 241 786 .

Fig 1: Inserting Lower Spring Cup (2 241 786) Into Coil Spring

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Insert top spring cup 2 241 788 sideways into coil spring and turn to the uppermost winding.

IMPORTANT: Make sure spindle (hexagonal) is correctly seated in upper spring cup 2 241 788 !

Pull spindle 33 5 013 down.

Fig 2: Inserting Top Spring Cup (2 241 788) Into Coil Spring

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WARNING: Danger of injury!
Make sure coil spring is correctly positioned in spring cups.

Fig 3: Identifying Coil Spring Cups Position

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IMPORTANT: Center special tools 2 241 786 , 2 241 788 , 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 to achieve the greatest possible contact surface with the coil spring.

Check installation position of special tools 2 241 786 , 2 241 788 , and 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 , correct if necessary.

Fig 4: Checking Installation Position Of Special Tool (2 241 786)

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Tighten coil spring using special tools 33 5 016 and 33 5 020 , gripping the spindle of the spring tensioner with special tool 33 5 017 .

Remove coil spring upwards.

Fig 5: Tightening Coil Spring Using Special Tools (33 5 016 And 33 5 020)

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IMPORTANT: Replacement:
Relieve tension on coil spring.
Insert spring tensioner in the new spring and position spring tensioner in the new spring so that the bottom end of coil spring (1) is flush with the opening of spring cup 2 241 786 (see drawn line in illustration)!

Fig 6: Installing Coil Spring With Spring Cup (2 241 786)

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Check spring pad for damage, renew if necessary.

Insert spring pad in camber control arm so that plastic tab (1) is positioned in outer bore hole of camber control arm.

Fig 7: Identifying Camber Control Arm Plastic Tab

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Installation:

Place top spring pad (1) on coil spring.

NOTE: Upper spring pad (1) must come into contact with end of coil spring.

Fig 8: Identifying Spring Pad On Coil Spring

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Fig 9: Locating Lower Spring Pad

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IMPORTANT: Observe the following when installing and relieving tension on coil spring:

Lower spring pad must be positively seated in the designated receptacle in the camber arm
NOTE: Otherwise there is a risk of the coil spring jumping out sideways.
Lower spring pad must come into contact with end of coil spring (see arrow)
Lower spring pad must rest flush on last coil (see broken line)

Firstly insert coil spring in camber link.

Press wheel carrier slightly towards bottom by hand with second person and install coil spring with fitted spring pad at top in spring cup.

Check fitting of coil springs in spring pads (top and bottom), if necessary again align and relieve tension.

Remove special tools 2 241 788 , 2 241 786 and 33 5 013 , 33 5 014 , 33 5 015 .

Fig 10: Checking Coil Springs Fitting In Spring Pads

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After installation:

Check HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT , correct if necessary.