DIY Guide: How To Install Lowering Springs (F80 M3/F82 M4)

[sly1types]

You have to use something like the strut nut socket to hold the inner nut from spinning.

[9M71]

Originally Posted by Sahbatage

can anyone help me. I'm using an 1/2 impact gun with 18mm 12point socket to undo the center strut bolt, but can't loosen the nut and I feel like it's just spinning. What am I missing!?

Originally Posted by sly1types

You have to use something like the strut nut socket to hold the inner nut from spinning.

What he said. I would stop spinning it before you damage the strut lol

[TopJimmy]

Gotta hold the middle with a 10mm and use the cutout 16mm to loosen. Soon as it turns the impacter will remove it the rest of the way.

Installing you MUST hand tighten. Pay attention to the direction of the connector, and use the 10mm to rotate if needed.

[Sahbatage]

Originally Posted by sly1types

You have to use something like the strut nut socket to hold the inner nut from spinning.

Is that what he's using in the video? Looks like a regular socket.

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

Gotta hold the middle with a 10mm and use the cutout 16mm to loosen. Soon as it turns the impacter will remove it the rest of the way.

Installing you MUST hand tighten. Pay attention to the direction of the connector, and use the 10mm to rotate if needed.

Are we referring to the same thing? In the video he uses the impact gun to tighten also and says its bmw spec

[TopJimmy]

I think Tommy had it loose already, or he got lucky. Mine spun too, so I had to look up the proper steps. I saw how the impacter was used to re-tighten but I look up TQ and hand tighten with TQ wrench.

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I think Tommy had it loose already, or he got lucky. Mine spun too, so I had to look up the proper steps. I saw how the impacter was used to re-tighten but I look up TQ and hand tighten with TQ wrench.

I’m with you. I like to use proper torque when at all possible.
Just because you can tighten with an impact doesn’t mean you should.

And I’ll argue that using a torque gun is not BMW spec...
I know the Bilstein kit I have specifically stated to not use an impact gun on that specific nut.

[9M71]

You'll want this...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232625900420

[Sahbatage]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I think Tommy had it loose already, or he got lucky. Mine spun too, so I had to look up the proper steps. I saw how the impacter was used to re-tighten but I look up TQ and hand tighten with TQ wrench.

Originally Posted by 9M71

You'll want this...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232625900420

Thank you! Just purchased and will take everyones advice and hand tighten and only use the gun to loosen.

[audioMeth]

Originally Posted by Sahbatage

Thank you! Just purchased and will take everyones advice and hand tighten and only use the gun to loosen.

might want to grab a 10mm brake wrench too, makes using that strut nut tool easier.

[TopJimmy]

@audioMeth has a great suggestion using the brake wrench (I'll need one soon). You can also use a 10mm on a little quarter breaker since a 1/4 ratchet head doesn't fit inside the cutout.

[izzyM2]

Thanks to this tutorial, I was able to diy my springs. First time doing it and was able to do it on my own. Just make sure you have the proper tools and take your time.

[gary1982]

Brilliant write up. Thanks for this!