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E90/E92/E93 Coilovers

Why do it

Tools you'll need

• Jack and 4 jack stands
• Socket set
• Torx bits
• Torque wrench
• Spanner wrenches (usually included)
• Jack and 4 jack stands
• Socket set
• Torx bits
• Trim tool
• Torque wrench
• Jack and 4 jack stands
• Two 18mm sockets
• Torx bits
• Long breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Jack and 4 jack stands
• Socket set
• Torx bits
• Torque wrench
• Spanner wrenches (usually included)

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

• BC Racing BR coilovers I-118-BR (rear-wheel drive) True rear coilovers. Height and damping adjustable.Fits 2006–2013 · 325, 330, 328, 335i (N54), 335i (N55), 335is · sedan, coupe only
• BC Racing BR coilovers I-113-BR (xDrive) The same brand of kit as our video, made for all-wheel drive.Fits 2006–2011 · 325xi, 330xi, 328xi, 335xi (N54), 335i xDrive (N55)
• BC Racing BR coilovers I-17-BR (convertible) Made for the E93 328i and 335i. Height and damping adjustable.Fits 2007–2012 · 328, 335i (N54), 335i (N55) · convertible only
• BC Racing BR coilovers I-13-BR (M3 sedan with EDC) Only for M3s with EDC.Fits 2008–2011 · M3 · sedan only
• BC Racing BR coilovers I-13-BR / I-39 (M3 coupe) Pick I-13 if your M3 has EDC, or I-39 if it doesn't.Fits 2008–2013 · M3 · coupe only

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

1. Remove the front struts

   • Remove the wheels, sway bar links and lower pinch bolt, then the top nuts, and slide the strut out.
   ▶ Watch this step (ShopLifeTV, on an E9X) (2:03–6:56)

2. Install the fronts

   • Set the preload, then fit the front coilovers.
   ▶ Watch the preload (6:56–9:00)▶ Watch this step (9:00–10:49)▶ Watch the setup (10:49–12:16)

3. Remove the rear shocks and springs

   • Remove the rear trim, then the shock and spring.
   ▶ Watch this step (13:37–21:41)

4. Install the rears

   • Set up the rear mounts, then install the rear coilovers.
   ▶ Watch this step (21:41–23:14)▶ Watch the setup (23:14–25:28)▶ Watch the install (25:28–28:04)

5. Set the height and damping

   • Adjust the height, torque everything with the car on the ground and get an alignment.
   ▶ Watch this step (28:04–37:54)

6. Do the front struts

   • Disconnect the sway bar link and lower bolts, undo the top nuts, swap in the coilover and reconnect everything.
   ▶ Watch this step (Sal's Garage, on an E93) (2:14–6:02)

7. Do the rears

   • Remove the interior trim to reach the top mounts, then swap the shocks and springs. The convertible's trim takes more time to remove.
   ▶ Watch this step (6:02–11:28)

8. Remove the front struts

   • Undo the 18mm lower bolt and the sway bar link. Remove the cowling and strut brace, then the 3 top nuts, and the strut drops out.
   ▶ Watch this step (Tyler Tapper, BC on a 335xi) (1:29–2:39)

9. Install the fronts

   • Fit the coilover to the top mounts, jack the hub into place, and reconnect the sway bar link.
   ▶ Watch this step (3:15–4:26)▶ Watch the sway bar link (4:26–5:03)

10. Remove the rears

    • Remove the trunk trim, hold the shaft and undo the top nut, then undo the lower nuts and pull out the shock and spring.
    ▶ Watch this step (5:13–6:10)

11. Install the rears

    • Fit the new spring perch and shock. Move the sleeve over from the old shock.
    ▶ Watch this step (6:10–7:06)

12. Set the damping

    • Bottom out the adjusters, then click up. Thread the rear shocks far enough out, then get an alignment.
    ▶ Watch this step (7:06–8:18)

13. Clear the front

    • Remove the wheel and brake parts, then disconnect the sway bar.
    ▶ Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E9X M3) (2:22–3:44)▶ Watch the sway bar (3:44–5:25)

14. Remove the front strut

    • Undo the lower mounts and the top nuts, and lower the strut out.
    ▶ Watch this step (5:25–9:02)

15. Install the fronts

    • Prep the coilovers, then fit them and reconnect everything.
    ▶ Watch this step (9:02–10:05)▶ Watch the install (10:05–18:25)

16. Do the rears

    • Remove the rear shock, then install the rear coilovers.
    ▶ Watch this step (18:25–20:43)▶ Watch the install (20:43–29:47)

17. Finish up

    • Button everything up, torque it and get an alignment.
    ▶ Watch this step (29:47–35:38)

How to know it worked

• Car sits level.
• No clunks or rubbing.
• Steering is straight after the alignment.
• Car sits level.
• No clunks or rubbing.
• Steering is straight after the alignment.
• Car sits level.
• No clunks or rubbing.
• Steering is straight after the alignment.
• Car sits level.
• No clunks or rubbing.
• Steering is straight after the alignment.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.