Replacing front left or right coil spring (Cooper Convertible)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2021 MINI Cooper, 2020 MINI Cooper, 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, and 2017 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 3 340
31 2 230
2 213 039
2 213 040
31 3 341
2 240 482
2 364 828
2 240 486
2 240 487
2 412 607
2 240 490
0 496 516
0 496 515
2 360 213

Attention!

When replacing shock absorber/spring strut, replace auxiliary damper!

WARNING: Completely read the respective operating instructions before using special tools 31 3 340!
Strictly adhere to all safety instructions and instructions in the operating instructions!
Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

Attention!

Use only the BMW approved special tool!
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 of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Preliminary work needed:

Remove front SPRING STRUT .

Removing:

Slacken nut (2).

Pull out screw (1).

Remove holder from brake hose.

Spread swivel bearing with the special tool 31 2 230.

Lift the spring strut (3) out of the swivel bearing.

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Attention!

Risk of damage to the coil spring!

Before application: Check protective insert for wear, replace if necessary.

Use of faulty protective inserts leads to coil spring damage. This can lead to coil spring breakage (corrosion).

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Pressure plate 2 213 039 must be used with protective insert 2 213 040.

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Position special tool 2 213 039 and 2 240 482 on the special tool 31 3 341 until the retaining bolts (1) noticeably and audibly engage.

Insert centering ring 2 364 828 into the fixing plate 2 240 482.

Check fit of special tools 2 213 039 and 2 240 482 with the centering ring 2 364 828, correct if necessary.

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Set special tool 31 3 341 to dimension A.

Dimension A: 140 - 150 mm

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Installation of brake onto mounting plate:

Place counter support 2 240 486 in the correct position/bore:

Screw connection using bores 9 and 17

Twist centering ring 2 364 828 until the counter support 2 240 486 can be screwed into the prescribed position.

Screw together counter support with the mounting plate and the centering ring hand-tight using the screws (1)!

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Clean coil spring to remove contamination.

Spring must be free of grease, clean and dry.

Insert spring strut into the spring tensioner.

WARNING: The guide pins (1) of the support bearing must fit into the recesses on the centering ring 2 364 828.
The support bearing must be completely fitted against the centering ring 2 364 828.
The lower spring coil must be placed completely into the recess of special tool 2 213 039!

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Attention!

Risk of damage to the coil spring!

Before application: Check protective insert for wear, replace if necessary.

Use of faulty protective inserts leads to coil spring damage. This can lead to coil spring breakage (corrosion).

Pressure plate 2 240 487 must be used with protective insert 2 412 607.

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Attach pressure plate 2 240 487 with screws 2 240 490!

The gummed side of the pressure plate 2 240 487 must be fitted against the top spring coil.

Position the spring strut so that the end of spring (1) protrudes by 15 mm at the pressure plate 2 240 487.

Tighten the screws 2 240 490 evenly at 8 Nm.

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Attention!

The pressure plate 2 240 487 must be aligned parallel with the top spring coil (1)!

When the end of the spring begins to twist relative to the pressure plate, tensioning must be stopped immediately.

The pressure plate must be checked for correct seating and the rubber-coated facing and pressure plate also checked for wear.

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Tighten coil spring, until dimension B on special tool 31 3 341 is reached.

Dimension B: 65 mm

Attention!

Dimension B must no t be undershoot!

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Release nut with the special tool 0 496 516 and the suitable special tool 0 496 515 or 2 360 213.

Remove shock absorber from tensioned coil spring.

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Relieve tension on coil spring.

Release special tool 2 240 487.

Take out the coil spring with protective tube and support bearing.

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Installation:

Set special tool 31 3 341 to dimension A.

Dimension A: 185 - 190 mm

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Check lower spring pad (1) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach lower spring pad (1) to spring cup.

NOTE: Make sure the tappet (2) is properly positioned in the bore of the spring cup.

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Check protective tube/upper spring pad (2) for damage, replace if necessary.

Replace the auxiliary damper (3).

Parts : Auxiliary damper

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Accommodate new coil spring with special tools 31 3 341.

Attach pressure plate 2 240 487 with the screws 2 240 490!

The gummed side of the pressure plate 2 240 487 must be fitted against the top spring coil.

Position the coil spring so that the end of the spring (1) protrudes by 15 mm at the pressure plate 2 240 487.

Tighten the screws 2 240 490 evenly at 8 Nm.

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Attention!

The pressure plate 2 240 487 must be aligned parallel with the top spring coil (1)!

When the end of the spring begins to twist relative to the pressure plate, tensioning must be stopped immediately.

The pressure plate must be checked for correct seating and the rubber-coated facing and pressure plate also checked for wear.

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Tighten coil spring, until dimension B on special tool 31 3 341 is reached.

Dimension B: 65 mm

Attention!

Dimension B must not be undershoot!

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Insert spring strut into tensioned coil spring.

Replace nut.

Parts : Nut

Tighten nut with the special tool 0 496 516 and the suitable special tool 0 496 515 or 2 360 213.

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ .

Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!

Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!

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Check installation position of protective tube, correct if necessary.

The end of the coil spring must lie at the stop of the spring washer.

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End of lower coil spring (1) must rest on stop of spring pad (2).

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Align all components correctly to each other and relive tension on coil spring.

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Spread swivel bearing with the special tool 31 2 230.

Align the swivel bearing using the gap to the positioning pin on the rear of the spring strut (3) and push it on as far as it will go.

Position the brake hose holder.

Replace screw (1) and nut (2).

Parts : Bolt and nut

Insert bolt (1).

Tighten nut (2).

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

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After installation:

Install front SPRING STRUT .
Check HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT , correct if necessary.