DIY: Aftermarket Spring Install

rzm3 · 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?

rzm3 · 11-02-2008, 12:09 AM

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

camaross305 · 11-06-2008, 10:50 PM

cool nice write up

MDCTFTW · 11-06-2008, 10:55 PM

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

rzm3 · 11-06-2008, 11:12 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 · 11-07-2008, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzm3

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, 07:14 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, 09:17 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, 11:59 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

rzm3 · 12-20-2008, 01:01 PM

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

PunjabiM3 · 12-20-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzm3

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

That's good to know!

doba_s · 12-21-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzm3

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

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

camaross305 · 12-22-2008, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzm3

FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.

yep thats where i always get them from or advanced

schnell325 · 02-18-2009, 02:56 PM

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

TonyTone · 02-18-2009, 03:48 PM

Great rightup!

MrAdams · 02-19-2009, 09:44 PM

how long did it take?

GregW / Oregon · 02-20-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1989baby

how long did it take?

MrAdams · 02-20-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

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

MrAdams · 02-23-2009, 01:55 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 rzm3 for the DIY helped out a lot. and thnks for all the torque specs too

looks great now

JuniorDee · 02-23-2009, 03:41 PM

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

schnell325 · 02-23-2009, 05:19 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 rzm3 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
rzm3 Moderator 427 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	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 Last edited by rzm3; 01-03-2010 at 06:24 PM.
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11-02-2008, 12:05 AM	#2
BMWguy206 Private First Class 3 Rep 137 Posts Drives: '93 400E Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	So you removed and replace the spring without removing the entire front strut assembly? __________________ '95 M3 Coupe Alpine White
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11-02-2008, 12:09 AM	#3
rzm3 Moderator 427 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	Yup, as said, all bolts needed to be removed are circled.
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11-06-2008, 10:50 PM	#4
camaross305 115 Rep 1,825 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: gainesville fl iTrader: (20)	cool nice write up
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11-06-2008, 10:55 PM	#5
MDCTFTW Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,972 Posts Drives: E92 DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal 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.
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12-19-2008, 07:14 PM	#8
PunjabiM3 Lieutenant Colonel 121 Rep 1,974 Posts Drives: R8 5.2 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: DFW 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. __________________ 2012 Audi R8 V10\| 6MT\| Suzuka Grey\| Dallas Performance Stage 1.5 Twin Turbo\| 817whp pump\| 950whp on 109 octane\| GMG springs\| Klassen M52R\| Etc 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo\| Midnight Blue 2018 MB GLS550\|Designo White 2018 BMW 540i M-sport\| Bluestone
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12-20-2008, 01:01 PM	#11
rzm3 Moderator 427 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	FYI you can rent spring compressors for free at autozone.
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02-18-2009, 02:56 PM	#15
schnell325 Bored at work.... 610 Rep 4,917 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3//2016 F82 M4 GTS Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Comox Valley iTrader: (7)	Bump so I can find this thread in the spring too. __________________ Grey Matter:2008 E92 M3:608/425. SG/PS SOLD! Dark Matter:2015 F80 M3:495/505. AB/CB Anti Matter :2016 F82 M4 GTS --- IT IS HERE!!!
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02-18-2009, 03:48 PM	#16
TonyTone Major 108 Rep 1,248 Posts Drives: M3 VERT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Great rightup!
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02-19-2009, 09:44 PM	#17
MrAdams do a wheelie!!! 86 Rep 929 Posts Drives: E46 M3 - '72 2002 - '65 Impala Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 M3 Sedan e90 [0.00]	how long did it take? __________________ ~Adam
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02-23-2009, 01:55 PM	#20
MrAdams do a wheelie!!! 86 Rep 929 Posts Drives: E46 M3 - '72 2002 - '65 Impala Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1) 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 rzm3 for the DIY helped out a lot. and thnks for all the torque specs too looks great now __________________ ~Adam
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02-23-2009, 03:41 PM	#21
JuniorDee Captain 34 Rep 610 Posts Drives: the speed limit Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: the land of brat and brotchen iTrader: (1)	if an alignment is not done, what kind of tire wear would we see? __________________ EDC.....viagra for your car
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