DIY: Aftermarket Spring Install

rldzhao · 11-01-2008, 11:35 PM

The process is very similar (with some simplifications) to regular 3 Series' install: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15397

All the bolts and nuts that need to be removed are circled in red. BMW recommends replacing all nuts and bolts.

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

I've done this so many times since when this thread was written. Now updated for 2010

Best Practices:

Front Axle:
1. When removing the front springs: use a jack and push up the front suspension to compress the spring, and then put on the spring compressor. This will save you a lot of time.
2. The strut piston rod can be pushed into the shock with hands.

Rear Axle:
1. When loosening the bolts: loosen the shock bolt first, the camber arm/wheel carrier bolt second.
2. When tightening the bolts: tighten the camber arm/wheel carrier bolt first, the shock bolt second.
3. It may be very tough to align the wheel carrier with the camber arm. Try jacking up the camber arm, and use a wrench as a level to position the parts.
4. When aligned correctly, you should be able to push the outer bolt completely through the camber arm, without any turning. This bolt is tightened by the nut.

BMWguy206 · 11-02-2008, 12:05 AM

So you removed and replace the spring without removing the entire front strut assembly?

rldzhao · 11-02-2008, 12:09 AM

Yup, as said, all bolts needed to be removed are circled.

camaross305 · 11-06-2008, 09:50 PM

cool nice write up

MDCTFTW · 11-06-2008, 09:55 PM

SWEET! Any shots of the rear install? I know it's probably exactly the same as a normal 3 series.

rldzhao · 11-06-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDCTFTW

SWEET! Any shots of the rear install? I know it's probably exactly the same as a normal 3 series.

dude... you gotta

a little better.

The first picture is the rear install.

MDCTFTW · 11-06-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

dude... you gotta

a little better.

The first picture is the rear install.

Holy shit, I fail. My bad! Thanks again for the specs and pics. Time to order my springs.

PunjabiM3 · 12-19-2008, 06:14 PM

How difficult was it using the spring compressor? I have done tons of coil-over installs before on my various cars including two e46 M3's, but have never installed drop springs. I recently ordered some H&R springs and plan on doing the install myself. Am a little worried about using the spring compressor in fear that it will slip or fail and the spring will shoot out and hurt someone, the car, or something else. Is it straight forward using the compressor and is it pretty sturdy? Would love some input on this. TIA.

camaross305 · 12-19-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

How difficult was it using the spring compressor? I have done tons of coil-over installs before on my various cars including two e46 M3's, but have never installed drop springs. I recently ordered some H&R springs and plan on doing the install myself. Am a little worried about using the spring compressor in fear that it will slip or fail and the spring will shoot out and hurt someone, the car, or something else. Is it straight forward using the compressor and is it pretty sturdy? Would love some input on this. TIA.

They are extremely sturdy. They have little safety pins to push to keep the springs from popping out. It really easy and straight forward.

PunjabiM3 · 12-19-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaross305

They are extremely sturdy. They have little safety pins to push to keep the springs from popping out. It really easy and straight forward.

Cool thanks. Is one of these designs better than the other:
http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3492

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070515x00001c

rldzhao · 12-20-2008, 12:01 PM

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

PunjabiM3 · 12-20-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

That's good to know!

doba_s · 12-21-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

i didnt know that ... $6/day at kragen

camaross305 · 12-22-2008, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

yep thats where i always get them from or advanced

schnell325 · 02-18-2009, 01:56 PM

Bump so I can find this thread in the spring too.

TonyTone · 02-18-2009, 02:48 PM

Great rightup!

1989baby · 02-19-2009, 08:44 PM

how long did it take?

GregW / Oregon · 02-19-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1989baby

how long did it take?

1989baby · 02-20-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

my bad, just trippin cause I'm doing mine tomorrow!

1989baby · 02-23-2009, 12:55 PM

DID IT!!! took me and a friend about 2.5 hours. It was super easy. we had planned a 6 hour install like the thread said. Thanks RLDZHAO for the DIY helped out a lot. and thnks for all the torque specs too

looks great now

JuniorDee · 02-23-2009, 02:41 PM

if an alignment is not done, what kind of tire wear would we see?

schnell325 · 02-23-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1989baby

DID IT!!! took me and a friend about 2.5 hours. It was super easy. we had planned a 6 hour install like the thread said. Thanks RLDZHAO for the DIY helped out a lot. and thnks for all the torque specs too

looks great now

Nice to hear!!

11-01-2008, 11:35 PM	#1
rldzhao Moderator Drives: NASA TTA #92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Houston/Shanghai/上海 Posts: 4,417 iTrader: (12)	DIY: Aftermarket Spring Install The process is very similar (with some simplifications) to regular 3 Series' install: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15397 All the bolts and nuts that need to be removed are circled in red. BMW recommends replacing all nuts and bolts. Torque specs: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183005 I've done this so many times since when this thread was written. Now updated for 2010 Best Practices: Front Axle: 1. When removing the front springs: use a jack and push up the front suspension to compress the spring, and then put on the spring compressor. This will save you a lot of time. 2. The strut piston rod can be pushed into the shock with hands. Rear Axle: 1. When loosening the bolts: loosen the shock bolt first, the camber arm/wheel carrier bolt second. 2. When tightening the bolts: tighten the camber arm/wheel carrier bolt first, the shock bolt second. 3. It may be very tough to align the wheel carrier with the camber arm. Try jacking up the camber arm, and use a wrench as a level to position the parts. 4. When aligned correctly, you should be able to push the outer bolt completely through the camber arm, without any turning. This bolt is tightened by the nut. Attached Images __________________ RBM3 Powered by M-World/AiM EVO4 Data Logger/KW Competition 2-Way/StopTech BBK/Rear Seats Delete/M-World Clubsport Splitter & Wing/OMP Racing Seats Last edited by rldzhao; 01-03-2010 at 05:24 PM.
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11-02-2008, 12:05 AM	#2
BMWguy206 Private First Class Drives: '98 M3 Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 118 iTrader: (0)	So you removed and replace the spring without removing the entire front strut assembly? __________________ '95 M3 Coupe Alpine White

11-02-2008, 12:09 AM	#3
rldzhao Moderator Drives: NASA TTA #92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Houston/Shanghai/上海 Posts: 4,417 iTrader: (12)	Yup, as said, all bolts needed to be removed are circled. __________________ RBM3 Powered by M-World/AiM EVO4 Data Logger/KW Competition 2-Way/StopTech BBK/Rear Seats Delete/M-World Clubsport Splitter & Wing/OMP Racing Seats

11-06-2008, 09:55 PM	#5
MDCTFTW Lieutenant Colonel Drives: E92 DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal Posts: 1,890 iTrader: (0)	SWEET! Any shots of the rear install? I know it's probably exactly the same as a normal 3 series. __________________ MDCT ... so you can drive and eat a hamburger at the same time.

12-19-2008, 06:14 PM	#8
PunjabiM3 Major Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,481 iTrader: (1)	How difficult was it using the spring compressor? I have done tons of coil-over installs before on my various cars including two e46 M3's, but have never installed drop springs. I recently ordered some H&R springs and plan on doing the install myself. Am a little worried about using the spring compressor in fear that it will slip or fail and the spring will shoot out and hurt someone, the car, or something else. Is it straight forward using the compressor and is it pretty sturdy? Would love some input on this. TIA. __________________ 2007 997 Turbo, 6MT, Arctic Silver on Terracotta (for sale, MINT) 2011 BMW 1M, Valencia Orange 2012 VW Golf TDI, DSG, United Gray 2009 Lexus ES350, Sparkling Graphite (wife's) Previous: 08 e92 M3, 06 997 C2S, 05 e46 M3 coupe, 03.5 e46 M3 cabrio

11-06-2008, 09:50 PM	#4
camaross305 Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: gainesville fl Posts: 1,825 iTrader: (20)	cool nice write up

12-20-2008, 12:01 PM	#11
rldzhao Moderator Drives: NASA TTA #92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Houston/Shanghai/上海 Posts: 4,417 iTrader: (12)	FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone. __________________ RBM3 Powered by M-World/AiM EVO4 Data Logger/KW Competition 2-Way/StopTech BBK/Rear Seats Delete/M-World Clubsport Splitter & Wing/OMP Racing Seats

02-18-2009, 01:56 PM	#15
schnell325 The only E9x M3 in Northern BC..therefore I'm cool Drives: '92 325i,'08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 2,300 iTrader: (3)	Bump so I can find this thread in the spring too. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Space Grey 6MT w/ Active Autowerke's Stage 2 Supercharger with Meth Injection; 265/35 & 295/30 18" Michelin PS Cup tires/Apex wheels 2011 E90 335xi Space Grey ; Stock, for now 1992 E36 325i/4 Mauritius Blue ; 3.91:1 LSD www.racethebase.ca

02-18-2009, 02:48 PM	#16
TonyTone Major Drives: M3 VERT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FL Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (0)	Great rightup!

02-19-2009, 08:44 PM	#17
1989baby do a wheelie!!! Drives: e90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 762 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 Sedan e90 [0.00]	how long did it take? __________________

02-23-2009, 12:55 PM	#20
1989baby do a wheelie!!! Drives: e90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 762 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 Sedan e90 [0.00]	DID IT!!! took me and a friend about 2.5 hours. It was super easy. we had planned a 6 hour install like the thread said. Thanks RLDZHAO for the DIY helped out a lot. and thnks for all the torque specs too looks great now __________________

02-23-2009, 02:41 PM	#21
JuniorDee Captain Drives: the speed limit Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NoVA Posts: 611 iTrader: (1)	if an alignment is not done, what kind of tire wear would we see? __________________ EDC.....viagra for your car