31 33 001 Replacing front left or right spring strut support bearing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335i, 2008 BMW 328i, 2008 BMW 323i, 2007 BMW 335i, and 2007 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 210
31 2 230
31 3 341
31 3 354
31 3 355
31 3 358

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the coil springs.

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 tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Observe manufacturer's instructions.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove Front Spring Strut

Secure swivel bearing against falling out.

Release nut (1) and remove holder (2).

Remove bolt (3) towards front.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Installation:

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

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to positioning pins on back of spring strut and push together as far as it will go.

Replace self-locking nut.

For tightening torque refer to 31 31 3AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fig 1: Identifying Swivel Bearing Nut, Bolt, Holder And Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Install insert 31 3 358 in special tool 31 3 354.

Position special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358, correct if necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 341), (31 3 355), (31 3 358), (31 3 354) And Locking Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: During tensioning, spring plate must rest correctly in special tool 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358!

During tensioning, lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse dirt and take up with special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358.

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355.

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 355), (31 3 354) And Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Remove support bearing and dust sleeve.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool 31 2 210

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with rough road package:

Unscrew nuts.

Remove adapter (A) from support bearing.

Installation:

Align adapter (A) using centering pin (1) to support bearing and place in position.

Replace self-locking nuts.

For tightening torque refer to 31 31 1AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Drive in centering pin (1) of adapter (A).

Fig 5: Identifying Adapter And Centering Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: If an adapter (A) without a centering pin was fitted, centering pin (1) of new adapter (A) must be driven in.

Version without rough road package:

If necessary, drive out centering pin (1).

NOTE: If a support bearing (2) was fitted without centering pin (1), the centering pin (1) of the new support bearing (2) must be driven out.

Fig 6: Identifying Centering Pin And Support Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly:

Align spring strut by way of lower spring pad (1) to end of coil spring (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Lower Spring Pad And Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach dust sleeve and support bearing (1) to piston rod.

2 = Supporting ring

Fig 8: Identifying Support Bearing And Supporting Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate.

Tighten down nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

For tightening torque refer to 31 31 2AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fit cover cap.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210) And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform Chassis Alignment Check
Carry out Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment/Adjustment For Active Front Steering