BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Spring with suspension

MEASURING VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT

Determine actual ride height (A) - to do so, attach tape measure to rim flange (2) at bottom middle and measure to wheel arch lower edge (1).

Removing and installing/replacing coil spring for front left or front right spring strut

Special tools required:

• 31 3 340
• 31 3 355

Installation note:

1. All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.

2. Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove FRONT SPRING STRUT .

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in the event of corrosion breakage!

WARNING: Before using the special tool 31 3 340 take care to read through the Owner's Handbook! All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed! Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

1. Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
2. Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
3. No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
4. These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
5. Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
6. Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
7. Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from special tools 31 3 355.

Assembly:

Accommodate coil spring with special tools 31 3 355.

Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 355.

WARNING: Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 355!

Tension coil spring.

After installation:

• Check HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT , correct if necessary.

REMOVING AND REFITTING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT BEARING

Installation note:

1. All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.

2. Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

NOTE: Procedure is described in REPLACING THE FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT.