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Strut With Coil Spring: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 645Ci and 2004 BMW 645Ci. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: You will be exposed to a high risk of injury if you fail to comply with the following points:
  • Follow instructions for using spring tensioner.
  • Use only specified special tools.
  • DO NOT use a protective insert for Special Tool (31 3 354).
NOTE: Replace coil springs in pairs only. Fit each axle with the same part number. Coil springs are allocated according to vehicle type, launch date and optional extras.
  1. Clamp Special Tool (31 4 341) at guide (1) in vice. See Fig 1. Position Spring Retainer (31 3 355) with protective insert (31 3 365) and spring retainer (31 3 354) without protective insert from above on Special Tool (31 3 341) until locking pin (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place. Check secure seating of Special Tools (31 3 354) and (31 3 355).
  2. Clean coil spring to remove heavy contamination. Insert upper spring plate in Special Tool (31 3 354). See Fig 2. Place lower coil of coil spring in Special Tool (31 3 355). Twist spring strut until end of coil spring is flush with end of Special Tool (31 3 355). Tension coil spring.
  3. Remove cap by removing nut with Special Tool (31 2 210). See Fig 3. If necessary, use Allen wrench to hold piston rod at hexagon socket to keep it from turning. Remove support bearing with shim. Remove strut from coil spring.
  4. Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from Special Tools (31 3 354) and (31 3 355). Remove spring plate with spring pad.
  5. Remove auxiliary spring (1), gaiter (2) and spring pad (3). See Fig 4.
Fig 1: Clamping Special Tool In Vice
G00315132Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Placing Coil Spring In Special Tool
G00315133Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Removing Coil Spring Cap
G00315134Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Identifying Auxiliary Spring, Gaiter & Spring
G00315135Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.