[serge_chez]

A buddy and I are going to install coilovers this weekend on our cars. He has a 335i and going to put on some pss9 coils and I got a 328i and going to put Sonic Tuning S3 coilovers. So my question is do we need to get a spring compressor to remove the stock ones out???? Thanks for the help!

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by serge_chez

A buddy and I are going to install coilovers this weekend on our cars. He has a 335i and going to put on some pss9 coils and I got a 328i and going to put Sonic Tuning S3 coilovers. So my question is do we need to get a spring compressor to remove the stock ones out???? Thanks for the help!

I sure did. Craftsman did the job.

Figured out how to spread the pinch clamp?

[jzmundy]

Yes. They're available for loan at Auto Zone, etc.

[gizmo335i]

Yeah and make sure you have an impact. Takes a lot of time off the install. Especially when decompressing/compressing the compressor when the assembly is off the car.

[edirtaynine]

if you swap out the entire coilover system itself, you wont need to compress the stock springs in the front. (unless you want to separate the spring from the shock)

the rears, you dont need a compressor for anything.

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

if you swap out the entire coilover system itself, you wont need to compress the stock springs in the front. (unless you want to separate the spring from the shock)

the rears, you dont need a compressor for anything.

he still needs the oem bearing plates, unless his coilover system comes with it, which is unlikely

[serge_chez]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

if you swap out the entire coilover system itself, you wont need to compress the stock springs in the front. (unless you want to separate the spring from the shock)

the rears, you dont need a compressor for anything.

that's what I thought too. But my buddy said someone told him we do need it. That's why I was confused because Jose@sonictuning told me I didn't need a compressor since I am swapping stock coils to these coils.

[gizmo335i]

????

You'll have to compress the fronts to get them out? Is there something I don't know?

And putting the assembly in?

I guess the race springs are pretty damn short so maybe it would come out without a compressor.

Either way, renting a compressor is free...

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by serge_chez

that's what I thought too. But my buddy said someone told him we do need it. That's why I was confused because Jose@sonictuning told me I didn't need a compressor since I am swapping stock coils to these coils.

oh and you will need spring compressors just to get the strut out from under the fender unless you are going to unbolt the control arms and tension arms and pull out everything as an assembly

[gizmo335i]

I did H&R sports and they are quite a bit shorter than OEM sports. There is no way I could have gotten them to clear the fenders without compressing them...or vice versa. The race are what.... .5 shorter? I still think you'll need to compress to get them out.

[serge_chez]

I called LTBMW and asked them, they said I would need it since I have regular suspension. My friend might be able to get away with not using it since he is on sports suspension. So I'm just going to rent one and be safe.

[gizmo335i]

I would still like to know how you could get the front assembly out without taking the whole thing out or using a compressor?

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by gizmo335i

I would still like to know how you could get the front assembly out without taking the whole thing out or using a compressor?

Yuppur....had to compress my stock springs & push the shock down to clear the fender. Even then, c-a-r-e-f-u-l not to scratch paint!

Considering there's a preload on stock springs, you gotta be STRONG to get 'em out w/o compressors!

[E9TOU]

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

Yuppur....had to compress my stock springs & push the shock down to clear the fender. Even then, c-a-r-e-f-u-l not to scratch paint!

This! And I had the sport suspension. Spring compressor is needed.

[edirtaynine]

hmmm... its been awhile (but not that long) since I swapped my suspension... I don't remember compressing the fronts before pulling out under the fender. I thought I compressed the springs after I pulled it out. shit my bad if you have to compress before.