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 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 5 011
33 5 012
33 5 013
33 5 014
33 5 015
33 5 016
33 5 017
33 5 020

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.

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in the event of corrosion breakage!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL

Removal:

Insert lower spring plate 33 5 012 centrally into coil spring and turn to lowest coil.

Guide spindles 33 5 013, 33 5 014, 33 5 015 from below through camber arm and lower spring plate 33 5 012.

Fig 1: Inserting Lower Spring Plate (33 5 012)

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Insert upper spring plate 33 5 011 sideways into coil spring and turn to uppermost coil.

IMPORTANT: Make sure spindle (hexagon) is correctly seated in upper spring plate 33 5 011.

Pull spindle 33 5 013 downwards.

Fig 2: Inserting Upper Spring Plate (33 5 011)

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WARNING:

Danger of injury!

Make sure coil spring is correctly positioned in spring plates.

Fig 3: Identifying Coil Spring Correctly Positioned In Spring Plates

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IMPORTANT: Align special tools 33 5 011, 33 5 012, 33 5 013, 33 5 014, 33 5 015 centrally to obtain the biggest possible contact surface on the coil spring.

Check installation position of special tools 33 5 011, 33 5 012 and 33 5 013, 33 5 014, 33 5 015, correct if necessary.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools (33 5 011), (33 5 012) & (33 5 013)

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Tension coil spring using special tools 33 5 016 and 33 5 020 REVERSIBLE RATCHET WITH HEXAGON SOCKET WAF 22 , gripping spindle of spring tensioner with special tool 33 5 017 in the process.

Remove coil spring upwards.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (33 5 016) & (33 5 020)

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If necessary, relieve tension on coil spring.

IMPORTANT:

Replacement only:

Bottom end of coil spring (1) must be flush with opening of spring plate 33 5 012 (see Fig 6).

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (33 5 012)

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Installation:

Check spring mounts (2, 3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Remove spring plate (1) and position with upper spring pad (2) on coil spring.

NOTE: Upper spring pad (2) must come into contact with end of coil spring.

Version with rough road package: Install adapter as well.

Fig 7: Identifying Spring Mounts

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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 jumpin sideways.
Lower spring pad must come into contact with end of c spring (see arrow)
Lower spring pad must rest flush on last coil (see broke line)

Fig 8: Identifying Lower Spring Pad
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align coil spring by way of spring plate to opening in side member and relieve tension.

Remove special tools 33 5 011, 33 5 012 and 33 5 013, 33 5 014, 33 5 015.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tools (33 5 011), (33 5 012) & (33 5 013)

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After installation:

Check headlight adjustment, correct if necessary. See 63 10 004 ADJUSTING HEADLIGHTS