03-23-2017, 06:22 AM | #1 |
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DIY Suspension Install/Work
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:
Attachments: ISTAD Rheingold documents for various suspension procedures as well as torque specifications. Last edited by Polo08816; 03-27-2017 at 10:34 AM.. |
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03-28-2017, 07:13 PM | #4 |
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Here are labor and procedure quotes from BMW KSD which is used by the dealers to estimate time.
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03-31-2017, 11:02 PM | #6 |
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I used the following as my DIY when I installed my H&Rs.
https://www.carid.com/images/ark-per...tion-guide.pdf |
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04-01-2017, 06:15 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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04-01-2017, 11:50 AM | #8 |
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04-01-2017, 02:58 PM | #9 | |
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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. |
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04-01-2017, 04:01 PM | #10 |
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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. |
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04-01-2017, 04:53 PM | #11 | |
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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 |
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04-01-2017, 05:27 PM | #13 |
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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.
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05-02-2017, 09:43 PM | #14 |
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Pictures of BMW M Performance Suspension Kit
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05-02-2017, 10:33 PM | #15 |
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Drives: 2014 335i M Sport, 2004 .:R32T
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
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Subscribed for updates. Thanks for making a DIY!
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05-03-2017, 02:51 AM | #17 |
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05-03-2017, 05:07 AM | #18 | |
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05-03-2017, 10:13 AM | #19 | |
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I wish I would have done that as it would have made removal/storage a fair bit easier. |
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05-03-2017, 11:16 AM | #20 | |
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I won't have to disassemble the old front spring/strut assembly after removing it from the vehicle. |
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05-03-2017, 12:01 PM | #21 | |
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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 |
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05-03-2017, 01:30 PM | #22 |
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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? |
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