[bigshout]

Hi there, I’m looking to install some Eibach springs to my F10 535i, non VDC, a friend of mine is a senior BMW mechanic who I ask to do work on my car. After discussing the spring swap he’s made me aware in order to replace the front springs correctly a special laser tool is needed, this is to line up the shock with the top mount correctly otherwise it will affect the geometry, this information has come from the BMW ISTA software or what is now used by BMW these days, this has also been verified by another BMW mechanic. The thing is he’s moved to an independent shop which doesn’t have the laser alignment tool, and this isn’t available to purchase, BMW dealer tool only.

So for those of you who have installed springs, how did you manage the alignment on the front shocks?
I’m aware wheel alignment is required after replacement; I’m being informed the laser alignment above is not the same thing.

Thanks in advance.

[lsturbointeg]

Had my alignment performed at GermanAutoPros with no issues as they only work on European vehicles. I've seen multiple post regarding alignment questions but nothing regarding a laser? More of preload questions.

[Desmond79]

My guy followed the AC Schnitzer Instructions. I read some of them and do not remember the lasering. I think a great spring compressor is valuable. At the same time, I am installing Koni FSDs with the springs.

They are aligning my wheels as I post.

EDIT: Instructions DO state use of lasering.

[TwinSnailz]

What's the big deal. Just use a regular carpenters level laser from homedepot and shine on your shocks before you remove the spring. Mark the top hat and the spring perch. Install new springs and line up the markings with the laser.

[bigshout]

Originally Posted by DesmondF10

My guy followed the AC Schnitzer Instructions. I read some of them and do not remember the lasering. I think a great spring compressor is valuable. At the same time, I am installing Koni FSDs with the springs.

They are aligning my wheels as I post.

Any chance you could take a photo of those instructions and post in the thread?

Thx

[Desmond79]

Originally Posted by bigshout

Any chance you could take a photo of those instructions and post in the thread?

Thx

I went through each instruction number when I had the chance (after your post) -- they DO mention lasering. My installer had them out on a table turning pages when he was installing and boxed up all of the OEM parts, and returned the instructions. But ASC had set me a PDF of the same instructions.

Attached is the English Edition at 11 pages.

Also, this is helpful because the springs look so much alike. The part numbers (imprinted on the powder coated springs) and which axle:

3133210310 spring is front axle x 2

3353210310 spring is rear axle x 2

[bigshout]

Thanks Desmond, so did your installer have the right laser?

I've ordered eibach springs, probably the same installation instructions will come as ASC with eibach being the manufacturer of ASC springs. I'm going to have my sprigs fitted without the laser but will ask the installer to pay attention to the default setup and try to marry up the setup once the new springs are in.

[Desmond79]

Originally Posted by bigshout

Thanks Desmond, so did your installer have the right laser?

I've ordered eibach springs, probably the same installation instructions will come as ASC with eibach being the manufacturer of ASC springs. I'm going to have my sprigs fitted without the laser but will ask the installer to pay attention to the default setup and try to marry up the setup once the new springs are in.

Did not see it all. I was in the waiting room working most of the day, so I did not look in too often. I checked to make certain the front springs were at the front, and back at the back. I saw the manual open and he was referring to it. The installer also came from a BMW dealer.

I think none of these installs goes perfectly in terms of efficiency. I doubt if BMW guys are putting in springs on a daily basis.

I went to a shop that deals in racing and does a lot of suspension work, so I had a high level of confidence that they had the tools - had a nice spring compresser and Hunter alignment. The guy doing the install was very diligent. An owner did the alignment. After 300-400 mi, they asked me to come in to redo the alignment to account for settling springs.

Still took about 6 hrs for the install, and another hr or so for the alignment.

[dadysev]

Changed the springs myself. You just need to make sure they are turned all the way into the rubber stop on both top and bottom of the spring.
These cars are double wishbone suspension. Lowering the car will give you more negative camber but there is no camber adjustment on these cars unless you get the upper control arms changed up front and lower i believe in the rear to do so.
I did mine over 2 years ago, and the car drives perfectly straight, and happy to say the tires wear down perfectly.