Removing and installing front left or right spring strut (Cooper Convertible)

2019 Mini Cooper Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic TransSECTION Removing and installing front left or right spring strut (Cooper Convertible)

Installation note: 

  1. All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
  2. Retaining elements on chassis and steering parts must be replaced.
NOTE: Separate procedure for EDC SPRING STRUT .

Preliminary work needed: 

Removal: 

If necessary, lever off protective cap (1).

Gasket (1) is no longer installed.

G09877723Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release collar screw (1), press brake pedal to floor for this purpose.

G08505292Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen the wheel housing cover in the area of the plug connection (2).

Detach pulse sensor cable from the holders (1).

Disconnect plug connection (2).

G11648004Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release brake hose (1) from holder.

Left side: Release brake wear indicator (2) from holder.

Loosen screws (3).

Set the brake caliper (4) with the brake-caliper support aside and tie it up.

G11648005Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Release anti-roll bar link (2) from spring strut.

G11648006Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Pull out screw (2).

Release wishbone (3) from swivel bearing.

G11647912Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Release tie rod (2) from swivel bearing.

G11647913Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove protective cap (1) and cover ring (2).

G11648009Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

If required, loosen and lift windshield panel cover (2).

Unscrew the screws (1).

G11648010Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove spring strut (1) from wheel arch.

G11648011Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

If installed: Remove and dispose of the gasket (1).

Clean contact surface at shock tower

NOTE: Gasket (1) is no longer installed.
Gasket (1) can also only be omitted on one side (left or right)
G11648012Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Guide the spring strut (1) into the wheel arch.

G11648011Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align spring strut to the bores in the shock tower using the centering pins.

Part  : Replace screws (1).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

G11648010Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit and fasten the cover ring (2) and protective cap (1).

G11648009Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Join the wishbone (3) to the swivel bearing.

Part  : Replace nut (2) and bolt (1).

Insert screw (2) with washer.

Attention! 

The washer must lie between the screw head and the swivel bearing.

Note insertion direction of bolt (2). The screw (2) is inserted from the rear in the direction of travel.

G11647912Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw on the nut (1).

Tighten screw connection.

  • Tightening is done via screw (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Insert tie rod (2) into the swivel bearing.

Part  : Replace nut (1).

Tighten nut (1).

Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ .

G11647913Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position anti-roll bar link (2) on spring strut.

Part  : Replace nut (1).

Tighten nut (1).

Tightening torque 31 35 2AZ .

G11648006Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position brake caliper (4) with brake-caliper support on swivel bearing.

Part  : Replace screws (3).

Tighten down screws (3).

Tightening torque 34 11 2AZ .

Secure brake hose (1) on holder.

If necessary, secure brake wear indicator (2) on holder.

G11648005Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect plug connection (2).

Attach the pulse sensor cable to the holders (1).

Fasten the wheel housing cover in the area of the plug connection (2).

G11648004Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Pay attention to installation position of compression spring (2).
  • Keep collar screw and spur toothing of wheel hub/output shaft clean and free of grease

Attention! 

Following installation note for spur gearing must be observed without fail!

G08505293Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Part  : Replace collar screw and compression spring.

Tighten collar screw (1) and compression spring hand force.

G08505292Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Front gearing of wheel hub (1) and output shaft (2) should be installed form-fit (tooth in tooth position).

Check whether spur gearing is locked tooth in tooth by reciprocally rotating wheel hub/output shaft.

Once a form-fit has been ensured, tighten to final torque.

Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .

G08505299Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Required follow-up work: 

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.