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Coil Spring & Shock Absorber: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 34 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW M3, and 2005 BMW 330i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove front wheel.
  2. Detach cable and brake line from mounting. See Fig 2.
  3. Remove brake caliper and tie back to body. See CALIPER ASSEMBLY .It is not necessary to disconnect brake line.
  4. On vehicle with headlight range adjustment, remove retaining bracket (1) of angle joint from control arm (2). See Fig 3.
  5. On all vehicles, detach stabilizer link by releasing nut with open-end wrench. See Fig 4.
  6. Release nut and press steering tie rod off steering knuckle with special tool (32 3 090). See Fig 5.
  7. Release nut, force control arm off steering knuckle with special tool (32 3 090) and detach. See Fig 6.
  8. Secure steering knuckle against falling off. Unscrew multipurpose bolt a few turns. If necessary, spread out steering knuckle with special tool (31 2 200) and remove towards bottom. See Fig 7.
  9. If there is no centering pin (1) or bore (2), only one nut may be released. The centering pin is screwed into place on the M3 model. Position of the threaded pin to wheel arch must be precisely marked. This ensures that the original camber is retained during installation. See Fig 8.
    10. WARNING: Before they are used, always check that special tools work properly. Use only suitable spring retainers. Never use an impact wrench for tensioning/releasing purposes. Keep protective inserts clean and free from oil and grease.
  10. Clamp special tool (31 3 341) at guide (1) in vise. Slide in special tools (31 3 354/355) in each case from chamfer of special tool (31 3 34). Locking pins (2) must be felt and heard snapping into place. On M3, slide in special tool (31 3 352). See Fig 9.
  11. On all models, position protective insert (31 3 356) on spring plate. See Fig 10.
  12. Position coil spring between spring holders. End of spring must be flush with end of spring holder. When tensioned in the spring holder, the spring coil must rest completely in the recess.
  13. Tighten down coil springs until stress on the thrust bearing is just relieved.
  14. Release nut with special tool (31 2 210). Grip piston rod firmly, if necessary, and remove spring strut shock absorber. See Fig 11.
  15. If a new coil spring is installed, release special tool (31 3 341) and remove coil spring. The special tool must not be tightened or untightened with an impact wrench. Check spring pad (1). Replace if necessary. Fit spring pad (1), spring plate (2) and protective insert (31 3 356) onto new coil spring. Make sure that end of spring, spring pad (1) and spring plate (2) form a positive connection. See Fig 12.
Fig 1: Identifying Spring Strut Shock Absorber
G00155790Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Detaching Cable & Brake Line
G00155791Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Removing Retaining Bracket
G00155792Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Releasing Stabilizer Link Nut
G00155793Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 5: Using Special Tool (32 3 090)
G00155794Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 6: Forcing Control Arm Off Steering Knuckle
G00155795Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 7: Removing Steering Knuckle
G00155796Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 8: Locating Wheel Arch Nuts
G00155797Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 9: Using Spring Holder
G00148290Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 10: Positioning Protective Insert
G00155798Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 11: Using Special Tool (31 2 210)
G00155799Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 12: Positioning Coil Spring Components
G00155800Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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