Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Mini Cooper Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
31 31 Spring Struts
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2008 BMW 550i, and 2007 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION - SPRING STRUTS (31 31)
| Type | Thread | Tightening specification | Measure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1AZ | Spring strut support bearing / adapter for rough road package to wheel arch / adapter for rough road package | E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E67, E83, E85, E86 | Flanged hexagon nut | Replace nuts | 34 Nm |
| E28, E30, E31, E32, E34, E36 / S50 / S52, E38, E39 | Hexagon flange nut dia. 18 mm | Replace nuts | 24 Nm | ||
| E36 / S50 / S52 | Flanged hexagon nut dia. 21 mm | Replace nuts and secure with Loctite 242 | 27 Nm | ||
| E32, E34, E36, E46, E53 | Flanged hexagon nut dia. 21 mm | Replace nuts | 34 Nm | ||
| E52 | Hexagon flange nut dia. 18 mm | Replace nuts | 28 Nm | ||
| 2AZ | Shock absorber piston rod on thrust bearing | E12, E21, E23, E24 / until 5.82 | 80 Nm | ||
| E24 / from 5.82, E30, E31, E32, E34 | M12 (with external hexagon piston rod) | 64 Nm | |||
| E24 / from 5.82, E30, E31, E32, E34 | M12 (with internal hexagon piston rod) | 44 Nm | |||
| E36, E38, E39, E46, E52, E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E67, E83, E85, E86 | Replace nut | 64 Nm | |||
| 3AZ | Spring strut shock absorber to pivot mount | E34 / Four Wheel Drive | 80 Nm | ||
| E53 | Replace screw & nut | 250 Nm | |||
| E52, E60 / except AWD, E61 / except AWD, E63, E64, E65, E66 | Replace screw & nut | 81 Nm | |||
| E60 / Four Wheel Drive, E61 / Four Wheel Drive, E67, E83 | Replace screw & nut | 100 Nm | |||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.