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Forum Member
 
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Last Login: 7/26/2010 6:09:59 AM
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| I need to replace the rear springs on my '00 328Ci. I have the correct springs, but am confused about some information from the Bentley manual. In the section where they have you disconnect the drive axles from the differential, under Tightening torques they list M10x20 mm Torx bolt, M10x46 mm bolt (black) and M10x46 mm bolt (silver) (always replace), each with a different torque spec. My car appears to have the ball cage CV joints and so one version or the other of the longer bolts. They appear to be saying that if the bolts (TORX bolts actually) are the silver ones, they must be replaced. Is this right? What are the odds that the bolts have retained any sort of color after 182,000 miles? Any guidance will be much appreciated.
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Forum Veteran
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Last Login: 7/27/2010 2:05:45 PM
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While BMW's procedure (& hence Bentley's recommendations) for replacing rear springs in an e46 state that the rear axles are to be dropped from the differential, few technicians, including those at the dealer, actually do this. Simply disconnect the rear shock, pry the rear suspension down w/ a pry bar & remove the spring. If you'd like to follow the written recommendations from BMW & Bentley, remove one bolt from the inner axle & bring it to the dealer to order the proper replacements.
Good Luck!
Mike Morris
Schneller BMW Performance
26 Middle Rd Unit 1-2
Newbury, MA 01951
978.465.2002
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Forum Member
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Last Login: 7/26/2010 6:09:59 AM
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| Mike, Thanks for the tip. I suspected the job was simpler than it was presented to be. Mark
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Forum Member
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 2:08:13 PM
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Hey Mark,
To get a new rear spring back in (at least if it's like my e30) takes a little more ingenuity than taking the old one out. Compress the new spring with a spring compressor, then use a lot of big zip ties or a few pieces of coat hanger wire to keep the spring compressed. Remove the compressor (you can rent them free at Autozone) and fit the spring in its perch, then cut the zip ties. Good luck with the project!
Dana Russian
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