[Polo08816]

Background:

I have 74,000 miles on my 2014 335i RWD M Sport. It has the stock passive Sport suspension. I plan to replace my suspension with either the BMW M Performance Suspension kit or Ohlins Road and Track coilovers between now and next fall.

I've searched for DIY suspension threads for the F chassis but they are few and far between.


Purpose:

This thread will serve as a DIY thread for various suspension work to include but not limited to:

• Front spring/strut removal and install
• Front roll bar removal and install
• Rear spring/strut removal and install
• Rear roll bar removal and install
• Installing F8X Wishbones

Attachments:

ISTAD Rheingold documents for various suspension procedures as well as torque specifications.

[mdai245]

Where do you get these docs? From the rheingold software?

Anything for the F32? Ridiculous labor qoutes on dinan springs are making me contemplate DIY

[x328x]

good stuff.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by mdai245

Where do you get these docs? From the rheingold software?

Anything for the F32? Ridiculous labor qoutes on dinan springs are making me contemplate DIY

Here are labor and procedure quotes from BMW KSD which is used by the dealers to estimate time.

[Polo08816]

[zcspec]

I used the following as my DIY when I installed my H&Rs.

https://www.carid.com/images/ark-per...tion-guide.pdf

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by zcspec

I used the following as my DIY when I installed my H&Rs.

https://www.carid.com/images/ark-per...tion-guide.pdf

Do you remember the size of the strut bolt?

[zcspec]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

Do you remember the size of the strut bolt?

If you're referring to the strut's tophat bolt, I vaguely remember it being a 18 or 19mm.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by zcspec

If you're referring to the strut's tophat bolt, I vaguely remember it being a 18 or 19mm.

Yup, that's what I'm referring to.

I'm just trying to gather all the special tools to do this job. Hopefully the Auto Crafts Center at APG has these:

Spindle Housing Spreader Tool

Strut Nut Socket Set

Schwaben Strut Spring Compressor - they have the wall mount units which will probably be even better.

[zcspec]

The tools you've listed above are great choice. You can though, skip the spring compressor. Go to your local auto parts store and see if they will rent you:



You will only need them for the front. You should also consider buying a set of torx socket sets as BMW loves to us them.



Lastly, power tools will be your best friend.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by zcspec

The tools you've listed above are great choice. You can though, skip the spring compressor. Go to your local auto parts store and see if they will rent you:



You will only need them for the front. You should also consider buying a set of torx socket sets as BMW loves to us them.



Lastly, power tools will be your best friend.

The only tools I own are specialty BMW tools. I do most of my work here:
https://www.apgmwr.com/recreation-an...ts/auto-crafts

I used their facility to do the M Performance LSD install and wrote a DIY for it: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...=982938&page=8

[zcspec]

well then...forgive my lack of knowledge of your skill set! Coils/Spring swap will be no problem for you then.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by zcspec

well then...forgive my lack of knowledge of your skill set! Coils/Spring swap will be no problem for you then.

I've actually never done suspension on a car until this point so it's always a new learning experience for me. I'm just fortunate enough to have access to a lift, air tools, etc. to make these jobs easier. I can't imagine how much of a PITA it would be to do something on a driveway, miss a step, and go through the pain of lowering and then lifting the car again.

[Polo08816]

I picked up my BMW M Performance Suspension kit from getBMWparts today.

Here are a few pics:

[R32DBP]

Subscribed for updates. Thanks for making a DIY!

[the dope steez]

Just did this job two days ago, pretty simple. Even more so if you have new top hats, might not even need your spring compressors.

[eddiehatchblack]

Originally Posted by the dope steez

Just did this job two days ago, pretty simple. Even more so if you have new top hats, might not even need your spring compressors.

Anyone know the part numbers for the top hats? Trying to prepare to make mine a super easy install.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by the dope steez

Just did this job two days ago, pretty simple. Even more so if you have new top hats, might not even need your spring compressors.

Originally Posted by eddiehatchblack

Anyone know the part numbers for the top hats? Trying to prepare to make mine a super easy install.

My understanding is that you'll still need a spring compressor to remove the top hat from the spring/strut assembly.

[the dope steez]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

My understanding is that you'll still need a spring compressor to remove the top hat from the spring/strut assembly.

Right but why remove the top hat at all when from the looks of it you are building an entire new assembly on the bench and then reinstalling the entire spring/strut assembly in one piece?
I wish I would have done that as it would have made removal/storage a fair bit easier.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by the dope steez

Right but why remove the top hat at all when from the looks of it you are building an entire new assembly on the bench and then reinstalling the entire spring/strut assembly in one piece?
I wish I would have done that as it would have made removal/storage a fair bit easier.

For the new front spring/strut assembly, you're going to need to compress the springs in order to install the new top hat.

I won't have to disassemble the old front spring/strut assembly after removing it from the vehicle.

[the dope steez]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

For the new front spring/strut assembly, you're going to need to compress the springs in order to install the new top hat.

I won't have to disassemble the old front spring/strut assembly after removing it from the vehicle.

Yeah that's one way to do it

I just put an impact gun on the top hat nut to get it tightened down enough, installed everything, dropped the car onto the ground and then torqued the top hat nut while everything was under load. You will find with the shorter springs you should be able to tighten the top nut a fair bit without needing to compress the spring, but that may not be the proper way to do the install

[eddiehatchblack]

Yeah I don't mind renting (for free) a spring compressor. I just want to make the install and storage as easy as possible.

Does anyone have the part numbers for the top hats and whatever else I'll need?