31 31 003 Removing and installing complete front left or right spring strut (M3)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If a spring strut with support bearing is released on the body without the centering pin, a chassis/wheel alignment check must be carried out after installation.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove swivel bearing

WARNING: Risk of injury!
Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unclip protective cap (1) and disconnect plug connection underneath.

Unscrew nuts (2).

Installation:

Make sure protective cap is correctly seated.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ , see 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Cap With Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to use the pictured nuts to ensure correct screw-fastening of the dome cross-brace ring!

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 2: Identifying Self-Locking Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove spring strut towards bottom.

Installation:

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Align spring strut by means of centering pin to bore in wheel arch and slide upwards.

Fig 3: Aligning Spring Strut By Means Of Centering Pin To Bore In Wheel Arch And Slide Upwards

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .