DIY: changing out the rear struts - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

ok guys, imma try my best to write this DIY changing out the rear struts. if i was to rate this DIY from 1 being easy to 10 being hard, i would say a 5.

1. get your tools ready. here is what is needed. (i could be wrong on the size, but you guys ge tthe pont)

16mm open end wrench
17 socket wrench
6mm hex wrench
6mm socket wrench
flat head screw driver or plug remover tool
if your hex wrench is shirt liek mine, it woul dbe good to use some kind of pipe for better torque
25torque wrench (i could be wrong on the size)

2. remove the liner in the trunk to access the top of the strut. (i forgot to take pictures of the center piece that you have to remove)

3. jack your car up to remove the wheels. (you guys do not need picture for this

)

4. the strut have only 2 bolts to remove. start with the one inside the trunk first. this require a 16mm open end wrench. the strut might keep turning as you try to loosen the nut. this is where you need to use the 6mm socket wrench . the 6mm socket wrench is used to hold the strut while the 16mm wrench loosen the nut.

5. now remove the lower nut. this requires a 17mm socket wrench.

6. use your hands, with some force, you should be able to compress the strut rod down and remove it with no problems. (sorry no pictures)

7. now reverse the steps to put in the new strut in. (we used koni yellow for this project)

the easiest way to bolt the strut back in is to bolt the 17mm first. then compress the strut rod. as the strut rod is raising up, try to line it up into the hole. (you will have to use some force for the strut rod to line up with the hole.) last but now least, bolt the 16mm nut in. from here, the rest is history.

front strut are the same as changing out the spring. i believe someone have already posted a DIY for the springs.

if everything is done right, this job should take no more then 1 hour.

good luck!!!