BMW F2x F3x Springs and Shocks Installation (RWD & xDrive) 

There's a reason this video is used as reference on so many forums - this gave me the confidence to do this job myself and I'm glad I did! Rear suspension fitted today, front tomorrow! Thank you for making this video, I'm sure it took you a lot longer to do the job whilst getting all the video shots 👍

Wow! Excellent and detailed tutorial. This has given me the confidence that I could fit these to my M140i rather than pay a garage. Brilliant work, thanks 👌

Thanks for this exceptionally detailed video. Your decision to flow through and provide both methods in a logical flow instead of splitting into two videos made it easy to compare the methods and validate your suggested way. I used this video this weekend to help a friend swap his front struts and springs on a 2015 xdrive

Thank you for making this video. I watched it a few times and then changed all the suspension on my M140i on my driveway. Seeing the tools I would need was dead handy too.

Thank you for the tutorial. It was very thorough and helped me replace the bump stops in the rear dampers.

Invaluable walk through thanks. Nice step by step method with a calm delivery, very nice. I’m off for a drive 😅

Thank you! You made an excelent tutorial. Really came in handy for me during installing B6 on M140i XDrive.

Fantastic walk through…thank you! I used the video to install Eibach’s and Koni Yellows this past weekend and this video was a HUGE help. Also, the tool list was awesome to prepare ahead of time for someone who is not a mechanic with limited tools.

so glad you included your method which circumvents removal of the axle bolts! I just did the thrust arms with monoball upgrade on my f31 xdrive and noticed my front shocks leaking a bit, now I can procure parts without getting yet another set of those bolts! haha

Dude, thank you. I actually feel like I can do this instead of paying the stealership $3600 to do JUST my fronts. Thank you for your detailed video and explaining your "preferred" way vs the "bmw" way, it looks a lot easier than I'd actually thought it was!!

Great tutorial - very detailed, and lots of helpful tips!

Thanks Farkle!!! Just got done installing Koni Yellows with Eibach springs on my 340i. Your video was the best I've found and it helped tremendously.

Excellent video! A great help when swapping the springs on my F21 M140i. Many thanks from the UK 🙂

Best tutorial I found. Took me 10 hours because of missing tools, broken bits, and just random things lol. If I did it again it would probably take me about 3.5-4 hours.

Brilliant tutorial, so much detail! Thanks for sharing

Excellent video. Best described and demonstrated video by far. Look forward to viewing your tutorials!

Thanks for the great tutorial... Saves a lot of time and avoids extra work with the half shaft!

Very good and informative video. I benefited from it when I was going to do the same job. .... but, I see in this video, like many others the tip to use an impact gun to remove and install end links. As a former car mechanic and today an aviation technician, I get shivers when I hear it again and again. These joints are not designed to spin. They will not fall apart, but their service life will be shortened. The method you use (removing front end link) on your M2 is the one referred to by the manufacturers. Felt I wanted to write it to you as you seem to be serious about doing the right thing in your videos. Keep up the good work 👍.

DUDE -- THANKS for everything. Your vid saved me a lot of agony doing my rear shocks today. Being prepared helped immensely!

Very clear - best video I've found on this topic

Wow, great tutorial, Andrew!

Thx for this tutorial. Yesterday I replaced the stock shocks with Bilstein B6. Peace of cake with this video! Also very handy with those torque specs.

The best repair video i've ever seen. Thumbs up!!!

Thank you very much. This is the best video on the topic I've come across so far!!! Also applies specifically to my own car. Once again - thanks a lot!

Outstanding video. Well done for getting so much detail in there.

Thank you for this great detailed video, it’s much appreciated! 👍

I love how are proper and even torquing the swaybar endlink :) I also try to torque everything correctly, really easy to get the correct information for BMWs

Awesome explanation! Very thorough and well thought out!!

This video was very helpful. The only problem i had was torquing to spec the shock mount to the shock without a pass through torque wrench. I had to wing it. Thank you

Perfect level of detail and explanation

Thanks for your thorough tutorial.

Glad I found your tutorial, great work! Having trouble finding a 18mm 'Difficult Access' socket. Common sizes are 17mm or 19mm, but no 18mm.

Great video mate! Going to be putting Bilstein's on my M135i soon :)

Thank you so much for this video. Great information and details.🙏🏼🙏🏼

Hi from across the pond. Great video! I’d already installed B16s on my F30 (wish I’d used this tutorial when I did it🙄) anyway, it’s such a transformation over standard. I used it this time as I needed new top mounts and needed reminding of the steps! Your videos are so good, I know this is old and you’ve probably upgraded since but even so, keep up the great work. Recently replaced my sway bar using your video too 👍👍 Cheers uk Dave

Thank you so much for this video! I was able to tackle replacing my front struts on my ‘13 F30 335i rwd. I have the electronic dampers so I had to remove the wheel wheel plastic covers to replace the old connection to strut with new ones from Bilsteins. Easy peezy!

Great video! Very informative!

Perfectly described and demonstrated 👌

This is one of the best DIY BMW tutorials I've seen in years. Very informative and your method of swapping the struts on X drive is so much better! Thanks a lot!

Great video. Well done!

Never knew crow's feet needed to be at 90°. Thanks for that!

Awesome tutorial... Thank You :)

thanks bro, great guide.

Thanks for this video! By far, this is the most detailed instructions I can find on youtube! I followed your steps to replace bilstein b6 struts and shocks on my 2015 435i xDrive Gran Coupe. However, I want to point out 2 things: 1. Your xDrive way does not work for me, I have to go with BMW way, my rotor simply won't drop from the strut. 2. I bought the crow foot tool, but later found out it does not fit the pass through socket. I was quite frustrated as I can't torque to spec. Then I later found out, you can just use through socket and center hold to get it tight enough, then with tension on the thread, you can use normal socket and torque wrench and torque it to spec without center hold. No crow foot needed. I hope this helps someone!

FYI, I used 5/8" spark plug instead of the the 16mm pass though socket for the sway bar link end nut removal. and it is perfect for using crowfoot socket to tight up torque.

Thanks much, was about to disassemble much more than I needed to when installing the front Street Comforts in the f31 tonight. Used your method but since I had new lemforder mounts for the KW, it really was as easy as loosen top mounts remove pinch bolt and sway bar link, then vibrate the knuckle off the strut, then tilt out at bottom to remove. For future viewers note, 3 bolt strut mounts use a larger bolt than featured here 15mm iirc, but the lemforder 3 bolt replacements from ECS use the same smaller shanked bolts the 5 bolts do. Luckily I bought the complete set with gaskets bolts etc. suggest you do the same!

This is amazing, I was really struggling to get the rear camber bolts off though and ended up giving up. Might give it another go with some penetrating oil to see if that loosens them. Also noticed I had some slightly different bolts on my euro F30 328.

Superb video I need to replace the suspension boots/ gaiters. So this in invaluable to me. 😊

thank you for this how to guide

Great video!

@FaRKle0079 Excellent detailed DIY! I’ll be following this guide when installing B6 Damptronics on my 440i RWD next week. Thanks 👍

Very informative thanks for sharing

Great job. Much appreciated.

Very Nice video 👍👍👍

thank you very much for doing this

This is just fabulous

Did today on my M140i. Great tutorial. One thing I’d recommend people do is get a impact gun (400nm did me).

Guys there is a good reason to get the nicer spring compressor.. trust me. I’m in the process of wrestling with the cheap one and its burning hours and a total pain

thank you for the good tutorial. I am much better prepared to start this job myself.

Thanks for this video

Very useful video! there are two things I'd like to add counterholds should not be spun, spin the nuts. 2nd some of the bolts need to be torqued but also adder 90° of rotation. You got all the torques right bit not mention about the degrees... on newtis you can look that up.

Good job 👏

You the man FaRKle !!

Superb!

Fantastic!!! Thank you so much !! I am still hesitating doing the B6 installation myself on my F20.. Also i have been told to buy new bump stoppers at the front and rear + shock absorber bellows (to prevent dust - whatever you call it - im french haha). What do you guys think ? I cant just use the old ones ? Plus this video says we dont need bump stoppers for front absorber as its integrated in the damper.

Pro detail explain 👍🏽👍🏽👌🏽

Top merci , je me posais quelques questions pour le remplacement des ressorts courts sur mon Xdrive , me voila rassuré ! merci

Excellent tutorial, thanks for sharing~ Is the suspension set in the video M performance spring + bilstein b6? According to your theory, bilstein b6 is so overdamped for stock springs or even eibach pro kit springs for f3x platform, so will the bilstein B6/B8 still overdamped if paired with M performance springs? I am considering this spring shock combo recently😁

Brilliant!

These videos NEVER mention it, but when working on suspension components, keep a can of PB Blaster handy and soak everything you can the day before in penetrating oil. It'll make disassembly an order of magnitude easier, especially if you live in the rust belt.

Hey, thanks for the tips this DIY video is great. Would you happen to know if the F34 GT is the same?

Thank you for the video! Very detailed. I have a question though. How far does the new front strut go into the knuckle? It looks to me you can push it as far as you want in the knuckle? There is no stop for it?

Legend

A full aligment is essential afterwards too

❤ thank you

"kpgray" on the F30 Bimmerpost forums kindly made the below checklist of items needed to do the job in this video. Wow, great job to him! Sockets: □ 1/2" and 3/8" Ratchet/s □ 1/2" Breaker Bar/s □ 1/2" and 3/8" Extensions □ 8 MM Standard 5-Bolt Shock Tower □ 10 MM Standard 3-Bolt Shock Tower / Front Plastic Cover Cam Studs □ 13 MM Standard Front Shock Tower Top Strut □ 16 MM Front Strut Clamp Knuckle Nut □ 16 MM-Pass Through Rod Ends / Rear Upper Shock Nut □ 17 MM Wheel Studs □ 18 MM Front Strut Clamp Knuckle Bolt / Rear Shock Bolt □ 18 MM Pass Through Shock Mount Strut / Rear Shock Bolt & Nut □ 21 MM Rear Camber Arm Nut / Bolt Combination Ratcheting Wrenches: □ 13 MM Front Shock Tower Top Strut □ 16 MM Strut Clamp Knuckle Nut □ 18 MM Strut Clamp Knuckle Bolt / Rear Shock Bolt & Nut □ 21 MM Rear Camber Arm Knuckle Bolt or Nut (Could be either) □ 3/4" For Pass Through Sockets (set dependent) Torx Center-hold: □ T30 Long, Rod End (for 16 MM Pass Through Socket above) E-Torx Socket: □ E12 Rear Upper Shock Bolts □ E18 Front Strut Brace Stud / Rear Camber Arm Bolt □ E20 Rear Arm Nut (Could be either OR 20 MM / 21 MM) Hex Allen Wrench: □ 5 MM, can be socket, Rear Shock Upper Mount (with 16 MM Pass Through Socket above) □ 6 MM, can be socket, Front Shock Mount Strut (with 18 MM Pass Through Socket above) Special Tools: □ Outside Spring Compressor □ 1/2" and 3/8" Torque Wrench/s for ranges 10-150 lbs □ Knuckle Spreader (to open strut clamp) (1 required **ESC Tuning # 2652181) □ Crows Foot for Pass Through Sockets ( 19mm or 3/4" optional due to your personal tools usage) □ Trim Tool for Front Strut Rubber Cover Expand Rivet Removal □ 17 MM Male Hex Socket for xDrive Front Axel Wheel Nut (if removing BMW way)* *IMPORTANT NOTE: If removing the Front Axle Wheel Nut DO NOT REUSE (2 required: ECS # 2859492) □ Pick Tool for removal of BMW Wheel Center Cap (if removing 17 MM Front Axle Wheel Nut, the BMW way) □ Pry Tool for xDrive Headlight Leveling Sensor □ Floor Jack □ Jack Stands Front Torques: 32.5 lbs. 16MM Rod End 41.5 lbs. 18 MM Strut Clamp Knuckle 47 lbs. 18 MM Shock Damper 5-Bolt Shock Tower = 22 lbs. (8 MM) 3-Bolt Shock Tower = 41.5 lbs. (10 MM) 103.25 lbs. 17mm Wheel Bolts Rear Torques: 122 lbs. Camber Arm 75 lbs. Shock Bolt 28 lbs. Top Shock Mount (16 MM) 20.65 lbs. E12 Upper Shock Mount 103.25 lbs. 17mm Wheel Bolts NOTES: *IMPORTANT NOTE: If removing the Front Axle Wheel Nut DO NOT REUSE (2 required: **ECS # 2859492) ** Special Note: ESC Tuning: www.ecstuning.com/

Love the video! Just ordered b8 shocks and H & R springs will definitely be using this when I go to install them. Will adjustable/aftermarket end links be needed for the setup I ordered? If so do you have any recommendations and what length? Thanks!

Great work! Which bilstein shocks and springs are these? Cheers

@FaRkLe0079 great DIY video. noticed in beginning you had edc. i would like to ask, did the your new strut/ shocks come with edc plug in location?

Hi just want to ask for your feedback on the ride experience with your Bilstein B6 if you don’t mind. I am thinking of upgrading to Bilstein B6 Damptronic for my 2018 F36 xDrive and not sure if this upgrade would totally compromise the ride quality. Thank in advance and hoping for your feedback

Wonderful video! I found my front left adaptive damper leaking, so was not looking forward to parts + labor from a garage on this one; will do it myself! One thing I noticed, TIS recommends replacing the hardware and doing the torque values like you mentioned + 90* - any reason to reuse old components?

Great Vid. I didn't realize you could swap out the adaptive shocks and replace it with standard shocks. What did you use to code out the EDC?

Would you share where you got torque specs from? Im working in an f25 and cant find torque specs anywhere.

Thank you for this, it is very detailed. I want to upgrade my suspension, i've got 2017 340i, i knew the damper is the issue, but EDC makes upgrade option very limited. I probably will go BILSTEIN B6 Dampertonic, should I go Spring first? I want ACS springs. But I do want to keep the standard ride height.I am so confused. Please share some experience with me. I saw you did a lot of F30 suspension upgrades.

Would the car throw any codes or faults if the new Bilsteins do not have EDC? I am new to BMW’s and I’m having a difficult time finding the proper replacement struts for my RWD 435i. I would prefer to purchase struts without EDC since they’re more readily available, but I’m afraid to run into larger problems. Amazing Tutorial!

What's the rachet you are using please?

What happens if you install the spring upside down respect the label?

Great video! Can you answer a question for me? Did you replace all the nuts and bolts you used or just re use the ones that were on there? Replacing mine soon and I'll definitely be revisiting your video during the install. Thanks so much for such an awesome and detailed video, it's very much appreciated!

Hello my friend hey I was helping my buddy to install this shocks on he's 20 m2c everything fit until we when to reinstall the swaybar link they didt line up with the shock look like the ear on the shock was to far up so the link was to short even with the shock not compress any idea on what we missed

Which brand did you use for the spring compressor? I've seen a few brands identical to the one you used but some reports of poorly cast clamps cracking and causing the spring to let go make me wonder if I should be cautious on brand. Thanks

May I ask what you did with the vertical speed sensor please Farkle? I know you coded out EDC but that strut sensor is needed right?

Are the strut mount M8 bolts reusable? I read they are non-reusable because they stretch when tightened and do not provide the same clamping force once untightened.

Great video. So can you remove the front strut on a rwd using your xdrive way by lowering the knuckle and removing the strut out sideways and removing it bottom end first? It sounds easier than the the rwd way and pulling the top end out first?

if RWD would you suggest doing it your way rather than pull the knuckle and stut down together?

64 Nm torque should be applied to top nut when spring is compressed, isn't it?

Hey, I also have 18mm for shock to rear camber bolt like you, but on all F2x/F3x real oem, it says it’s e-torx? I can’t find 18mm hex on realoem for any car F2x/F3x

Tried this and had the hardest time putting the top hat back on the strut. Seemed like the autozone rental tool would just get in the way. Definitely a lack of skill but it was much more difficult than I originally thought. Also are the bilstein b4's supposed to be physically longer than OEM?

Awesome vid -- Question though: At 24:39 -- That was a locknut and you used a new one? Do you know where I can order a new replacement? I didn't see a link in the description. Thanks!!!

Awesome tutorial! One question, why is it okay to torque the rear bolts while the car is in the air, but not the fronts?

Is it possbile to change the spring/coil only without removing the strut from the knuckle? In other words, can it tilt out enough from the wheel-well to compress the coil and swap? Thanks!