31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (M Models)

Special tools required: 

• 31 3 340
• 31 3 341
• 31 3 355
• 31 3 381

1. Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
2. Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
3. No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
4. These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
5. Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
6. Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
7. Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
8. Observe manufacturer's instructions.

In a warranty case you must always provide a fault memory printout, even where there is no fault memory entry, with the defective part.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front spring strut .

Removing: 

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 355 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 355, correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 381) And (31 3 355)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 355.

Turn spring strut until lower end of coil spring rests centrally in opening of special tool 31 3 381.

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 381) And (31 3 355)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1), gripping piston rod if necessary.

Fig 3: Releasing/Tightening Coil Spring Nut

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Remove joint seat (1), support bearing (2), spring cup (3) with bearing, spring pad (4) and gaiter (5).

Fig 4: Identifying Upper Spring Pad, Plate And Support Bearing

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Fig 5: Identifying Joint Seat And Support Bearing Nut

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Relieve tension on coil spring and remove.

Fig 6: Identifying Coil Spring

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If necessary, remove support disc (1), auxiliary damper (2) and spring pad (3) from shock absorber. Remove shock absorber from special tool 31 3 381.

Installation: 

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

Fig 7: Identifying Thrust Washer, Auxiliary Damper And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Hold shock absorber and coil spring with special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 355.

Turn coil spring until lower end of coil spring rests centrally in opening of special tool 31 3 381.

Tension coil spring.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 381) And (31 3 355)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check installation position of spring pad, if necessary relieve tension on coil spring and correct installation position.

Check support bearing (2), upper spring plate (3) with bearing, spring pad (4) and gaiter (5) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach spring cup (3) with bearing and spring pad (4) with gaiter (5) to piston rod.

Attach support bearing (2) and joint seat (1) to piston rod.

Replace nut and tighten down (gripping piston rod in so doing).

Fig 9: Identifying Support Bearing, Upper Spring Plate With Bearing Upper Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten to specified torque. See 31 31 2AZ in FRONT AXLE - TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 10: Tightening Coil Spring Nut

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Relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fig 11: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 381) And (31 3 355)

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.