Remove coil spring

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT .

NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM .
Refer to RELEASING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FROM THE BODY .

Preparing the special tool (G22/G23/G26/G42)

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants maybe installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

Basic version:
Spindle = Special tools 0 495 811 (33 5 103) and 0 495 812 (33 5104)

Upper spring plate = Special tool 5 A36 B04

Lower spring plate = Special tool 5 A36 B05

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BMW M Performance Automobile (Sport) and Alpina:
Spindle = special tools 0 494 994 (33 5 013), 0

494 995 (33 5 014) and 0 494 996 (33 5 015)

Upper spring plate = Special tool 5 A0B 7D9

Lower spring plate = Special tool 5 A0B 7E0

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NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Incorrect assembly is possible. Ensure correct installation position.
The installation position of coil springs (1) is identified with label (2).
The label (2) is fastened on the upper end of the coil spring (1) marked with the lettering "top".
Check the coil spring (1) for the presence of the label (2).
If label (2) on the installed coil spring (1) is missing and if the coil spring needs to be installed again after the repair, the installation position of coil spring (1) must be marked.

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NOTE: Mark the installation position of the coil spring by affixing an adhesive tape on the top spring end.
Insert the bottom spring plate (1) sideways in arrow direction into the coil spring and turn it up to the lowest coil.
Feed in the spindle (2) from below in arrow direction through the camber control arm and the bottom spring plate (1).

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Insert the top spring plate (1) sideways in arrow direction into the coil spring, feed in at the spindle (2) and turn it upwards as far as possible.
Check the position of the spindle (2) with the hexagon head in the top spring plate (1) and correct if necessary.
Pull down the spindle (2) in arrow direction.

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Check and if necessary, correct the position of the spring plate in the coil spring at the top and bottom.

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Align the top spring plate (1) and the bottom spring plate (2) with the spindle (3) in the center to obtain a largest possible contact surface on the coil spring.

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NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Clamping the coil spring on the block. Damage of the coil spring.
- Do not clamp the coil spring on the block.
- Mind the distance between the spring coils.
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Tension the coil spring using special tools 0 494 997 (33 5 016) and 0 494 934 (33 5 020) . Provide counter support to the spindle using special tool 0 494 998 (33 5 017) and standard tool (1) in the process.
Standard tool: 3/8" reversible ratchet

3/8" reversible ratchet

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3/8" reversible ratchet
Guide out the coil spring at the upper spring pad (1). If necessary, remove the upper spring pad (1).

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Guide out and remove coil spring (1) upwards in the arrow direction.

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