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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 .
Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back, see 33 21 001 Removing and installing / replacing left output shaft .
Remove stabilizer link on both sides from stabilizer, see 33 55 040 Replacing stabilizer links for stabilizer .
If necessary, remove jointed rod from sensor lever of rideheight sensor, see 37 14 512 REPLACING REAR RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Brake hose must not be exposed to tensile loads.

Release screw and remove bracket with brake hose.

Tightening torque: 34 32 3AZ, see 34 32 BRAKE LINES .

Fig 1: Locating Bracket With Brake Hose

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Release screw.

Lower workshop jack (1).

Installation:

Thrust washer (2) on rubber bearing must point to screw head.

Tighten bolt in normal position, see 32 00 ... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque: 33 52 1AZ, see 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Fig 2: Locating Support Trailing Arm With Workshop Jack

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press trailing arm downwards.

Pull out barrel spring to the side.

Remove upper spring pad (1) from take-up locator/frame side member.

Installation:

Position coil spring with upper spring pad (1) on lower spring pad (2) mounted in control arm and align to take-up locator/frame side member.

Raise trailing arm using a workshop jack.

Fig 3: Removing Upper Spring Pad From Take-Up Locator/Frame Side Member

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Spring pads must be positively seated in the take-up locator/frame side member or control arm to prevent the coil spring from springing out of the centering mount.

Installation:

Check spring mounts (1, 3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach spring mount at top (1) to coil spring (2).

Fig 4: Spring Mounts And Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

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