Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 i xDrive, BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d, BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 si, BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 sd, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 si, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 25 i, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 30 i, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 18 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 18 d, BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 si xDrive, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 si View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front springs on BMW X3 E83 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Springs for X3 (E83) and other BMW models
How to change Coil spring on BMW X3 E83 2.0 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Coil spring
How to change Coil spring buffer on BMW X3 E83 2.0 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Coil spring buffer
Tools
Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #16
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 19
Drive socket # 21
HEX bit No.H6
Shock absorber socket
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
  • Both coil springs of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right coil springs of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW X3 E83 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Springs on BMW X3 E83 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d 2004 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    BMW X3 E83 3.0 d 2005 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Springs on BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d 2006 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fasteners of the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 6
    How to remove BMW X3 3.0 i xDrive 2007 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW X3 E83 2.5 i 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW X3 E83
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW X3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Springs on BMW X3 E83 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Disconnect the brake hose.
  10. Step 11
    BMW X3 xDrive30d 3.0 Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Springs on BMW X3 E83 2004 2.0 d by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 13
    X3 (E83) 3.0 i xDrive 2005 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2006 - tips and tricks
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  14. Step 15
    Clean the lower fastener connecting the suspension strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW X3 E83 2007 3.0 i xDrive Springs
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 sd 2008 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Springs on BMW X3 E83 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d 2004 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
  18. Step 20
    BMW X3 E83 3.0 d 2005 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Springs on BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d 2006 by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 22
    Lower the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
    Step 23
    How to remove BMW X3 3.0 i xDrive 2007 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  21. Step 24
    Unscrew the upper fasteners of the shock strut.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    BMW X3 E83 – To avoid injury, hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts.
    Step 25
    How to replace Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the suspension strut.
  22. Step 26
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW X3 E83 2.5 i 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. Tip:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  23. Step 27
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW X3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Compress the spring.
  24. Step 28
    Changing of Springs on BMW X3 E83 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the shock strut mount cap. Use a crowbar.
  25. Step 29
    BMW X3 xDrive30d 3.0 Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  26. Step 30
    Replacing Springs on BMW X3 E83 2004 2.0 d by yourself
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  27. Step 31
    X3 (E83) 3.0 i xDrive 2005 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the top strut mount.
  28. Step 32
    How to change Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2006 - tips and tricks
    Release the coil spring.
  29. Step 33
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW X3 E83 2007 3.0 i xDrive Springs
    Remove the spring.
  30. Step 34
    DIY replacement of Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 sd 2008 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  31. Step 35
    How to change Springs on BMW X3 E83 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the boot and a bump stop onto the shock absorber.
  32. Step 36
    How to replace BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d 2004 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  33. Step 37
    BMW X3 E83 3.0 d 2005 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Compress the spring.
  34. Step 38
    Changing Springs on BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d 2006 by yourself
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  35. Step 39
    How to remove BMW X3 3.0 i xDrive 2007 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #19. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW X3 E83. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  36. Step 40
    How to replace Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
  37. Step 41
    Install the shock strut mount cap.
    Step 42
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW X3 E83 2.5 i 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Decompress the spring.
  38. Step 43
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW X3 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
BMW X3 (E83) Springs replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY BMW X3 (E83) Springs replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW X3 (E83)
View more
  • How to change Springs on BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 sd - replacement tricks
    How do EGR valves work? | AUTODOC
  • Changing Coil springs BMW X3 E83 2.0 d - Replacement Tips
    What to check when buying a used car | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d Spring replacement guide
    How to paint a car with a spray can | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Suspension spring on BMW X3 E83 - free video tips
    What causes engine misfire? | AUTODOC