Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change strut mount BMW 5 E39 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
Tools
Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #10
Combination spanner #13
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #19
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 22
HEX bit no.H6.
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Flat Screwdriver
Flat chisel
Hammer
Ball joint puller
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the mounts of the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • All mounts of the front shock struts should be replaced simultaneously.
  • Be sure to replace all self-locking nuts and bolts during installation.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW E39 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Strut Mount - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Strut Mount replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 7
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Strut Mount - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19.
  6. Step 8
    How to replace Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Strut Mount replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the fasteners of the control arm plastic cover. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Strut Mount on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the control arm plastic cover.
  9. Step 11
    Clean the fasteners connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 12
    Changing of Strut Mount on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the front fastener of the control arm. Use a combination spanner #18 (2 pieces).
  10. Step 13
    Clean the fasteners of the headlight levelling sensor. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 14
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Strut Mount replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the fasteners of the headlight levelling sensor. Use a combination spanner #10. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 15
    Disconnect the headlight levelling sensor.
    Step 16
    Replacing Strut Mount on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Unscrew the rear fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 17
    Remove the rear fastener of the control arm.
    Step 18
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Strut Mount DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the fastener of the stabiliser link bracket. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 19
    Remove the fastening bolt.
    Step 20
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 21
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Strut Mount
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 22
    DIY replacement of Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  16. Step 23
    Remove the bracket from the shock absorber strut.
    Step 24
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.
    Step 25
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Make sure that the steering knuckle is supported.
  17. Step 26
    Install the rear fastener of the control arm.
    Step 27
    Lower the car.
    Step 28
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Strut Mount - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Open the bonnet.
  18. Step 29
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Strut Mount replacement: free workshop manuals
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  19. Step 30
    Changing Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  20. Step 31
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Strut Mount - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Use a combination spanner #13. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E39
  21. Step 32
    How to replace Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the suspension strut.
  22. Step 33
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    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.
    Step 34
    How hard is it to do yourself: Strut Mount replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Compress the spring.
  23. Step 35
    Need to know how to renew Strut Mount on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the shock strut mount cap. Use a flat screwdriver.
  24. Step 36
    Changing of Strut Mount on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  25. Step 37
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Strut Mount replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #22. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  26. Step 38
    Replacing Strut Mount on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Remove the top strut mount.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. Professionals recommend:
    Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
  27. Step 39
    Clean the mounting seat of the shock strut mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 40
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Strut Mount DIY replacement workshop manual
    Treat the fasteners of the shock strut mount. Use copper grease.
  28. Step 41
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Install a new top shock strut mount.
  29. Step 42
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Strut Mount
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #22. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  30. Step 43
    DIY replacement of Strut Mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the shock strut mount cap.
  31. Step 44
    Decompress the spring.
    Step 45
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
  32. Step 46
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Strut Mount - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
  33. Step 47
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Strut Mount replacement: free workshop manuals
    Screw the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW E39
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
Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 5 Saloon (E39) model.

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 5 Saloon (E39) Strut Mount 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
Autodoc CLUB App icon
DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Strut Mount replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW 5 Saloon (E39)
View more
  • How to change Strut mount on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i - replacement tricks
    Which Coolant is Best? Comparison Test | AUTODOC
  • Changing Top mount BMW E39 523 i - Replacement Tips
    #TPMS Explained: Why Your Light is On and How to Respond Safely | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530d 3.0 Top strut mount replacement guide
    How to inspect and troubleshoot your car heater when it’s not working
  • Replace Top mounts on BMW E39 - free video tips
    Top 5 brake repair mistakes | AUTODOC tips