51 71 373 Removing And Installing/Replacing Tension Strut On Spring Strut Dome

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Vehicles must not be driven without tension struts.
Driving without tension struts will result in bodywork damage.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove lower microfilter housing section on left/right. See 64 31 061 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT MICROFILTER HOUSING LOWER SECTION .

If necessary, remove cover on spring strut dome on left/right:

Release expander rivets (1).
Remove cover (3),
taking care not to damage retaining lug (2)

Fig 1: Identifying Expander Rivets And Retaining Lug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, remove tension strut panels:

Release expander rivets on panel (2)
Remove panel (2) in direction of arrow

Fig 2: Identifying Expander Rivets On Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Important - modified screw connection!

Screws must be replaced and - because of the modified surface coating - tightened to increased torque!

Release screws (1).

Remove tension strut (2).

Installation:

Replace screws.

Tighten to specified torque, 27 Nm

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.