Special tools required:

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31 2 210. See 31 2 210 SOCKET WRENCH SOCKET WAF 21
31 3 341. See 31 3 340 SPRING TENSIONER
31 3 354. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER
31 3 355. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER
31 3 358. See 31 3 358 INSERT RING

WARNING: Prior to each use of the special tool 31 3 340. See 31 3 340 SPRING TENSIONER , it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully! All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed! 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!

IMPORTANT:

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 spec tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspend springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut. See 31 31 003 Removing and Installing Complete Front Left or Right Spring Strut (AWD)

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.31 3 340 SPRING TENSIONER

Install insert 31 3 358 in special tool 31 3 354. See 31 3 358 INSERT RING , 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER

Position special tools 31 3 355. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358 . See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER from above on special tool 31 3 34131 3 340 SPRING TENSIONER until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 355. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER and 31 3 35431 3 350 SPRING HOLDER with insert 31 3 35831 3 358 INSERT RING , correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Locking Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse dirt and take up with special tools 31 3 355. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER and 31 3 354 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER with insert 31 3 35831 3 358 INSERT RING .

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355.

WARNING: Special tool 31 3 354. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER and centering ring 31 3 358 31 3 358 INSERT RING must rest correctly on upper spring plate!
Lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355. See 31 3 350 SPRING HOLDER !
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210. See 31 2 210 SOCKET WRENCH SOCKET WAF 21 (grip piston rod in the process).

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove support bearing (1), dust sleeve and supporting ring (2).

Remove spring strut with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 4: Identifying Dust Sleeve And Supporting Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3).

Assembly:

IMPORTANT: Always replace auxiliary dampers in pairs.

Check auxiliary damper (1), gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach lower spring pad (3) to spring plate.

Attach auxiliary damper (1) and gaiter (2) to piston rod.

Fig 5: Identifying Auxiliary Damper And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring and align to end of coil spring (2) using lower spring pad (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Coil Spring And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach thrust washer (2) to piston rod.

Check support bearing (1) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach dust sleeve and support bearing (1) to piston rod.

Fig 7: Identifying Dust Sleeve And Supporting Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate.

Tighten down nut with special tool 31 2 210. See 31 2 210 SOCKET WRENCH SOCKET WAF 21 (grip piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ. See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fit cover cap.

IMPORTANT: Spring pad (1) must rest positively on spring plate (2)! Upper end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!

IMPORTANT: Lower end of coil spring (2) must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check . See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.