[Speed_Addict]

Does anyone on this board in the NW have access to the correct BMW / Klann spring compressor for removing and replacing the rear springs on an E9X? It looks like this http://www.handsontools.com/assets/i..._thumbnail.jpg

If not...


If I were to purchase one (they are nearly $600) would there be any interest by NW members renting it from me to do spring swaps for a fairly reasonable fee + refundable deposit?

I have gotten some fairly steep labor quotes, over $600 in labor to swap to the BMW Performance Suspension system, and for those prices I could do it myself in an afternoon and come out of the process with a tool in hand -but, if I could further offset my cost of the tool by renting it out all the better.

This tool makes changing the rear springs a piece of cake as it compresses the spring internally and you then simply lift it out of position (between the spring seats in the lower control arm and the chassis - no need to drop the control arm at the axel carrier or at its pivot point etc. Anyway - just thought I would gauge interest in this idea....

[lpphreakx06]

It takes like 30 minutes a corner to swap the rear spring out. The tool isnt worth it.

[vladdy328]

I would be interested in renting it

[Baldur Abendroth]

I bought a set of spring compressors online for $40.00 when we did mine. I would much rather drop the control arm for a few minutes rather than pay $600.00 for an unnecessary special compressor.

[lpphreakx06]

Originally Posted by Baldur Abendroth

I bought a set of spring compressors online for $40.00 when we did mine. I would much rather drop the control arm for a few minutes rather than pay $600.00 for an unnecessary special compressor.

You are, those are for the front springs. There isnt any room to get that spring compressor on the rear hence the need for the special tool.

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

there is no need for a spring compressor at all in the rear, it would take longer to play with that compressor then it would to just push down on the lower control arm and pull it out. just be careful on the driver side rear as there is a level sensor on there, remove the 10mm nut holding the plastic arm to the lower control arm and your golden!

[Baldur Abendroth]

Originally Posted by lpphreakx06

You are, those are for the front springs. There isnt any room to get that spring compressor on the rear hence the need for the special tool.

Than how did I do my rears with it?

[Baldur Abendroth]

Originally Posted by Kevin@AKMotorwerk

there is no need for a spring compressor at all in the rear, it would take longer to play with that compressor then it would to just push down on the lower control arm and pull it out. just be careful on the driver side rear as there is a level sensor on there, remove the 10mm nut holding the plastic arm to the lower control arm and your golden!

^Listen to this guy

[vladdy328]

I heard it wasnt possible to install springs without the compressor?? I just bought springs and havent done the installation yet because thats what somebody told me.

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by vladdy328

I heard it wasnt possible to install springs without the compressor?? I just bought springs and havent done the installation yet because thats what somebody told me.

you need spring compressors for the front, thats for sure, the rear you only need basic hand tools

[lpphreakx06]

Originally Posted by Baldur Abendroth

Than how did I do my rears with it?

You did it the long/hard way.

[Baldur Abendroth]

Originally Posted by lpphreakx06

You did it the long/hard way.

Even so, you don't have to stand on the swing arm and with a torque gun compressing the springs it was very fast.

[Speed_Addict]

Originally Posted by Kevin@AKMotorwerk

there is no need for a spring compressor at all in the rear, it would take longer to play with that compressor then it would to just push down on the lower control arm and pull it out. just be careful on the driver side rear as there is a level sensor on there, remove the 10mm nut holding the plastic arm to the lower control arm and your golden!

On an E92 335 is the rear lower control arm released inboard at the subframe or outboard where it connects to the wheel bearing carrier?

I assume this method uses a trolly jack to lower the control arm and release the spring presure and then used to jack the assembly back into place?

Any other bolts need to be loosed to free up bushings so as not to tear them when pivoting the lower control arm lower than its natural range of travel?

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by Speed_Addict

On an E92 335 is the rear lower control arm released inboard at the subframe or outboard where it connects to the wheel bearing carrier?

I assume this method uses a trolly jack to lower the control arm and release the spring presure and then used to jack the assembly back into place?

Any other bolts need to be loosed to free up bushings so as not to tear them when pivoting the lower control arm lower than its natural range of travel?

take out the outboard bolt where it meets the spindle (bearing carrier) and lower it down with a jack. you have to remove the lower shock bolt using a deep 17mm socket first.