E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Coilover Installation question



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-19-2012, 01:46 AM   #1
BMW Junge für Leben
Second Lieutenant
BMW Junge für Leben's Avatar
United_States
24
Rep
213
Posts

Drives: LCI E90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Santa Barbara CA

iTrader: (0)

Coilover Installation question

Im getting new AST 5100 coilovers with swift springs for my e90 335i. Im debating taking advantage of a friends shop and just installing them myself over spending $400 on installation.
I was hoping to get an idea of exactly how difficult it would be to instal new coilovers including installing new front strut mounts and an m3 camber link kit.
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 07:59 AM   #2
Sauer
Enlisted Member
8
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: Jeep SRT8/2008 E90 335i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Columbia, SC

iTrader: (1)

I starting installing my Eibach coilovers last night. It's really not that hard, just a little tideous. It took me a couple hours for the front driver wheel, but that was mainly because I had a couple snags with have to re-position the spings compressors and trying to break a nut loose. Check the DYI on here for installing lowering springs. The only extra step is you have to remove the dampener as well, but that easy. My only tip would be to just barely loosen the nut on top of the shock/spring before you pull the assembly down. That way once you compress the springs, it won't just spin the shock.
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 01:54 PM   #3
BMW Junge für Leben
Second Lieutenant
BMW Junge für Leben's Avatar
United_States
24
Rep
213
Posts

Drives: LCI E90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Santa Barbara CA

iTrader: (0)

Is there any specific tools that im going to need to complete the switch that I wouldn't have in my decently stocked tool shed? (other than spring decompressor)

Thanks for your post and help Sauer
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 02:25 PM   #4
jzmundy
Major
jzmundy's Avatar
1002
Rep
1,495
Posts

Drives: F97
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC

iTrader: (6)

An electric impact wrench would help greatly, especially for tightening the top nut on the front struts.

A good friend of mine helped me out with my install and honestly, I would not do it again. Although we did it in a hot garage in the middle of summer without any beers.

Good luck!
__________________
Then - E53, E85, E92, E82, F15, F80, G01
Now - F97, Macan S
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 02:36 PM   #5
Sauer
Enlisted Member
8
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: Jeep SRT8/2008 E90 335i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Columbia, SC

iTrader: (1)

I didn't have any special tools at all. I did buy some good spring compressors on Amazon for less than $30. Take your time and make note of how all the wires are running before you go unhooking them. You don't want anything getting pulled when you turn the wheel. An impact wrench would sure make tightening the spring compressors a hell of a lot quicker, but I didn't have one.
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 02:38 PM   #6
jzmundy
Major
jzmundy's Avatar
1002
Rep
1,495
Posts

Drives: F97
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sauer View Post
I didn't have any special tools at all. I did buy some good spring compressors on Amazon for less than $30. Take your time and make note of how all the wires are running before you go unhooking them. You don't want anything getting pulled when you turn the wheel. An impact wrench would sure make tightening the spring compressors a hell of a lot quicker, but I didn't have one.
Strong this.

Also, make sure you note the orientation of the headlight leveling sensor. If it's reinstalled incorrectly, your headlights will aim way too low.
__________________
Then - E53, E85, E92, E82, F15, F80, G01
Now - F97, Macan S
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2012, 08:58 PM   #7
Reygil
Private
0
Rep
66
Posts

Drives: 08 BMW 335i Sedan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Just finished my coilover install. Everyone will have their own little snag when it comes to suspension install. Mine was removing the stock front passenger strut. It was such a bitch prying that thing out. Good luck to ya! FYI , I used this is a general guide: http://vorshlag.smugmug.com/Instructions/E90E82-AST-strut-shock/4024296_g28pqx
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2012, 09:57 PM   #8
Game
------
Game's Avatar
8147
Rep
10,620
Posts

Drives: G80 LCI, G87 (sold)
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Chicago'ish

iTrader: (25)

From all of the reading I've done, it seems like the consensus is you're better off getting it done professionally if you don't have some experience and tools (impact gun).
__________________
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:45 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST