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) 540 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) M5, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 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) 530 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear springs / rear coil springs on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Springs for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
How to change Coil spring on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Coil spring
How to change Coil spring buffer on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Coil spring buffer
Tools
Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #22
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 21
Drive socket # 22
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Shock absorber socket #DD6
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Plastic trim tool
Phillips screwdriver
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. Tip:
  • Both coil springs of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right coil springs of the rear suspension.
  • Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – BMW E39.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Springs on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the lower part of the rear seat.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the fasteners of the rear seat backrest. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  3. Step 3
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the rear seat headrests.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the rear seat backrest.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the side plastic cover. Use a plastic trim tool.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the rear seat headrest bracket. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the clips from the parcel shelf.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Detach the parcel shelf.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Springs on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the fasteners of the speakers. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Detach the speaker connector.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Springs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Remove the speakers.
  12. Step 12
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Bend the interior sound insulation upwards.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock strut mount cap.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Springs
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Springs on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  18. Step 18
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the stabilizer bar. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  23. Step 23
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
  24. Step 24
    Changing of Springs on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  25. Step 25
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  26. Step 26
    Replacing Springs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  27. Step 27
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a tap wrench.
  28. Step 28
    How to change Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Remove the brake caliper together with its bracket.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur.
  29. Step 29
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Springs
    Remove the support from under the arm.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
  30. Step 30
    DIY replacement of Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the shock strut fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  31. Step 31
    How to change Springs on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a tap wrench.
  32. Step 32
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  33. Step 33
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  34. Step 34
    Changing Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  35. Step 35
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  36. Step 36
    How to replace Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the arm fastening to the beam. Use a combination spanner #16.
  37. Step 37
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Detach the bottom part of the shock strut. Use a crowbar.
  38. Step 38
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  39. Step 39
    Changing of Springs on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the arm.
  40. Step 40
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
  41. Step 41
    Replacing Springs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Remove the suspension strut.
  42. Step 42
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    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.
  43. Step 43
    How to change Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Compress the spring.
  44. Step 44
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Springs
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  45. Step 45
    DIY replacement of Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  46. Step 46
    How to change Springs on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the top strut mount.
  47. Step 47
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the coil spring.
  48. Step 48
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the spring.
  49. Step 49
    Changing Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – BMW E39. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  50. Step 50
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  51. Step 51
    How to replace Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the boot and a bump stop onto the shock absorber.
  52. Step 52
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Compress the spring.
  53. Step 53
    Need to know how to renew Springs on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  54. Step 54
    Changing of Springs on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 27 Nm torque.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  55. Step 55
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Decompress the spring.
  56. Step 56
    Replacing Springs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
  57. Step 57
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
  58. Step 58
    How to change Springs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Screw the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Do not tighten it.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW E39
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Springs replacement - online guide
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