Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 328i, and 2009 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check ball joints of tension struts while installed, replace TENSION STRUTS if necessary
Remove TENSION STRUTS

IMPORTANT: If the tension struts already feature an identification mark with a center punch, it is necessary to replace both tension struts.

Mark tension struts with a punch mark in area (A).

Fig 1: Identifying Punch Mark Area On Tension Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using a press and special tools 31 3 031 and 31 3 032, press rubber mount out of tension strut.

NOTE: Special tool 31 3 031 must be exactly flush with rubber mount bush.

Fig 2: Pressing Rubber Mount Using 31 3 031 And 31 3 032

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.

Align rubber mount by way of arrow to marking on tension strut and press in. The deviation must not exceed ± 5°.

Fig 3: Identifying Rubber Mount Aligning Arrow On Tension Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Protrusion (A) equally large.

Fig 4: Identifying Protrusion

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.