Advise on installing lowering springs?

DopeM3 · 05-06-2013, 07:58 AM

Hi Guys,

So after reading numerous treads on installing lowering springs, I've decided to do it myself. What kind of tools will I need to do the job? I've never done any suspension work so this will be my first time. I know I will need some jacks, spring compressor (auto zone).

One thing I'm confused about is tightening bolts. I don't know how much I got to tighten them (lbs). Any guidance, links and tips will be very appreciated.

P.S: This is the guide I'm going to be using: http://billswebspace.com/M3HRSpringInstallation

Thank you

Richard@M-World · 05-06-2013, 09:24 AM

Torque: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183005
DIY: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183011

TC Kline Racing · 05-07-2013, 08:28 AM

If you are going to be doing alot of DIY maintenance on the car, I would suggest buying a Bentley Manual. It's a great 'tool' to have

THE TECH · 05-07-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC Kline Racing

If you are going to be doing alot of DIY maintenance on the car, I would suggest buying a Bentley Manual. It's a great 'tool' to have

Too bad they don't make one for the M3.

TC Kline Racing · 05-07-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Too bad they don't make one for the M3.

Really?! That's odd and sucks at the same time.....

..learn something new everyday.....

DopeM3 · 05-07-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC Kline Racing

If you are going to be doing alot of DIY maintenance on the car, I would suggest buying a Bentley Manual. It's a great 'tool' to have

Nah, I'm just going to do the suspension myself. Just need the right tools for this.

SYZ · 05-23-2013, 02:52 PM

how'd this go? That's a great DIY guide you posted btw.

DopeM3 · 05-23-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

how'd this go? That's a great DIY guide you posted btw.

Haven't had a chance to install just yet, possibly by the end of this month

Endless619 · 05-23-2013, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AyooooJay

Haven't had a chance to install just yet, possibly by the end of this month

When you get it done do a drive up here to Bar Harbor and we can get a nice photoshoot going!!!

DopeM3 · 05-23-2013, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endless619

When you get it done do a drive up here to Bar Harbor and we can get a nice photoshoot going!!!

Quite a drive up there lol You should spin around some of meets around the area bro

SYZ · 05-29-2013, 03:21 PM

I just did this install the other day... it's arguably the easier spring swap ever. Literally 2 bolts is all I had to undo on the front struts... the lower sway bar endlink and the top strut nut. The rear is the same... two bolts. Very very simple job. Everything you need is spelled out in the DIY you posted. It's thorough.

DopeM3 · 05-29-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

I just did this install the other day... it's arguably the easier spring swap ever. Literally 2 bolts is all I had to undo on the front struts... the lower sway bar endlink and the top strut nut. The rear is the same... two bolts. Very very simple job. Everything you need is spelled out in the DIY you posted. It's thorough.

Thanks man!

Which DYI did you use?

SYZ · 05-29-2013, 03:31 PM

Honestly, I just started doing it on my own keeping in mind I could compress the spring while it was still installed on the strut. I just looked at what I needed to unbolt and did so. I looked over the DIY here AFTER I did the swap and said to myself, "hmm, yeah that's a pretty great description of what I ended up doing." It's almost too descriptive, which makes it seem more involved than it actually is.

DopeM3 · 05-29-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

Honestly, I just started doing it on my own keeping in mind I could compress the spring while it was still installed on the strut. I just looked at what I needed to unbolt and did so. I looked over the DIY here AFTER I did the swap and said to myself, "hmm, yeah that's a pretty great description of what I ended up doing." It's almost too descriptive, which makes it seem more involved than it actually is.

It definitely looks very simple. Haven't had the time to do it yet.

I'm just concern about tightening the bolts. Don't want to over tighten or leave loose. Any tips or did you run it to anything with this?

SYZ · 05-29-2013, 04:03 PM

1 grunt on the swaybar endlink. 2 grunts on the strut nut bolt and rear suspension bolts.

Half joking aside, if you are concerned about it, purchase a torque wrench that will read between 20-100 lb/ft of torque to get it to spec.

DopeM3 · 05-29-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

1 grunt on the swaybar endlink. 2 grunts on the strut nut bolt and rear suspension bolts.

Half joking aside, if you are concerned about it, purchase a torque wrench that will read between 20-100 lb/ft of torque to get it to spec.

I'll look for one at Sears. Thanks man

I'll let you know how it goes.

Which springs did you install btw?

SYZ · 05-29-2013, 04:20 PM

I went w/ Eibachs on my convertible. It has an OEM+ look; very pleased with them.

SYZ · 06-01-2013, 07:18 PM

I ran into an issue where my lights were aiming too high... did a quick search and realized I reconnected my rear leveling sensor incorrectly. It's easy to overlook. Make sure you reconnect it the proper way otherwise you'll have the same issue!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389548

DopeM3 · 06-07-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

I ran into an issue where my lights were aiming too high... did a quick search and realized I reconnected my rear leveling sensor incorrectly. It's easy to overlook. Make sure you reconnect it the proper way otherwise you'll have the same issue!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389548

Thanks man! Still haven't had a chance to do this. Too much going on right now.. Hopefully I'll get this done within a week or two

dmk08 · 06-07-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AyooooJay

Thanks man! Still haven't had a chance to do this. Too much going on right now.. Hopefully I'll get this done within a week or two

Get a cheap Craftsman torque wrench. I bought one years ago for like $55 and still works great. Easy job you can do it!

katchup · 06-07-2013, 04:02 PM

It was like installing springs on Amy other car. Tom me alone about 4 hours taking my time. one thing to be careful, I broke both of my brake pad wear sensors and was extremely careful. I would completely remove them before starting if I did it again.

DopeM3 · 06-07-2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

Get a cheap Craftsman torque wrench. I bought one years ago for like $55 and still works great. Easy job you can do it!

I was at Sears for something else and I happened to find one for around 100, yikes. Might need to order it online or something

05-06-2013, 07:58 AM	#1
DopeM3 M Power 80 Rep 1,293 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NH iTrader: (8)	Advise on installing lowering springs? Hi Guys, So after reading numerous treads on installing lowering springs, I've decided to do it myself. What kind of tools will I need to do the job? I've never done any suspension work so this will be my first time. I know I will need some jacks, spring compressor (auto zone). One thing I'm confused about is tightening bolts. I don't know how much I got to tighten them (lbs). Any guidance, links and tips will be very appreciated. P.S: This is the guide I'm going to be using: http://billswebspace.com/M3HRSpringInstallation Thank you
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05-06-2013, 09:24 AM	#2
Richard@M-World 78 Rep 684 Posts Drives: NASA TTA #92 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: TX/IL iTrader: (0)	Torque: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183005 DIY: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183011 __________________ Authorized AiM Dealer - Solo/Solo DL \| SmartyCam HD \| www.m-world.us
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05-07-2013, 08:28 AM	#3
TC Kline Racing 45 Rep 345 Posts Drives: Many BMW's & Porsche's Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Columbus, OH & Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	If you are going to be doing alot of DIY maintenance on the car, I would suggest buying a Bentley Manual. It's a great 'tool' to have
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05-23-2013, 02:52 PM	#7
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	how'd this go? That's a great DIY guide you posted btw.
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05-29-2013, 03:21 PM	#11
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	I just did this install the other day... it's arguably the easier spring swap ever. Literally 2 bolts is all I had to undo on the front struts... the lower sway bar endlink and the top strut nut. The rear is the same... two bolts. Very very simple job. Everything you need is spelled out in the DIY you posted. It's thorough.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2013, 03:31 PM	#13
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Honestly, I just started doing it on my own keeping in mind I could compress the spring while it was still installed on the strut. I just looked at what I needed to unbolt and did so. I looked over the DIY here AFTER I did the swap and said to myself, "hmm, yeah that's a pretty great description of what I ended up doing." It's almost too descriptive, which makes it seem more involved than it actually is.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2013, 04:03 PM	#15
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	1 grunt on the swaybar endlink. 2 grunts on the strut nut bolt and rear suspension bolts. Half joking aside, if you are concerned about it, purchase a torque wrench that will read between 20-100 lb/ft of torque to get it to spec.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2013, 04:20 PM	#17
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	I went w/ Eibachs on my convertible. It has an OEM+ look; very pleased with them.
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06-01-2013, 07:18 PM	#18
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	I ran into an issue where my lights were aiming too high... did a quick search and realized I reconnected my rear leveling sensor incorrectly. It's easy to overlook. Make sure you reconnect it the proper way otherwise you'll have the same issue! http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389548
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06-07-2013, 04:02 PM	#21
katchup Lieutenant Colonel 187 Rep 1,522 Posts Drives: F80 m3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (9)	It was like installing springs on Amy other car. Tom me alone about 4 hours taking my time. one thing to be careful, I broke both of my brake pad wear sensors and was extremely careful. I would completely remove them before starting if I did it again. __________________ 2016 MW ZCP F80 M3(current) 2016 SO ZCP 6MT F82 M4(sold) 2015 MW 6MT F80 M3(sold) Individual Hellrot ZCP E92 M3(sold)
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