How to Replace Your BMW Rear Spring Coils?

The rear coil springs on E90 models have a tendency to break in salt belt areas. This is due to dirt and debris in the lower spring area, retaining moisture and causing spring to rust then fracture. It's important to replace your coil springs in a pair to avoid an uneven suspension. Inspect spring pads for wear and replace if necessary and always clean the spring perch area thoroughly. You can also use this repair if installing performance springs in your E90.

Raise rear of vehicle and support safely on jack stands. See our tech article on vehicle jacking. When jacking, get vehicle as high as possible. You will have to be able to fit a hydraulic jack under the rear swing arm.

Remove rear wheels.

Remove rear shocks. See our tech article on rear shock removing.

Place a jack under the lower swing arm. This will support the rear wheel bearing carrier when you remove lower swing arm fastener.

1.Working at upper control arm on brake rotor side, remove control arm fastener. (green arrows) Nut and bolt are both 21mm.

2.With swing arm fasteners removed, slowly lower jack until swing arm pressure is relieved.

3.Pull down on swing arm until coil spring drops out of upper mount. Then lift coil spring up and out of swing arm to remove.

4.If the upper spring insulator does not come out with spring, pull down to remove. (green arrow)

5.Inspect upper spring mount. If it is rusty or corroded, remove from vehicle. (green arrow) To remove, gently lever out using a prybar. It will pop out with very little pressure, be prepared to catch it.

6.Inspect lower spring insulator and replace if needed. (green arrow) To replace pull it out of swing arm.

7.When installing new spring, align end of spring (green arrow) with correct spot on insulator (yellow arrow). Insulator installs into swing arm one way.

8.Lift swing arm while lining up coil spring with upper mount. Then slide hydraulic jack into place. Once spring is properly installed in trailing arm, slowly raise suspension back into position. Install swing arm mounting fastener, then remove hydraulic jack from under training arm. Re-install rear shock and remaining items. After replacing your rear coil springs, it is a good idea to have your vehicle professionally aligned. This will prevent premature tire wear and ensure good handling.

edited by DNT Tools