{"id":745,"date":"2021-08-11T09:16:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T09:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.maxpeedingrods.com\/?p=745"},"modified":"2021-12-22T09:24:47","modified_gmt":"2021-12-22T09:24:47","slug":"how-to-install-maxpeedingrods-coilovers-on-a-2000-e46-323ci-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/how-to-install-maxpeedingrods-coilovers-on-a-2000-e46-323ci-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install MaXpeedingRods Coilovers on A 2000 E46 323ci"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Editor\u2019s Note:<\/em><\/strong> This comprehensive guide is shared by Cameron Tuttle<\/a>. He covers the installation of a set of MaXpeedingRods adjustable coilovers <\/a>on his 2000 e46 323ci. This guide can be consistent with the majority of the E46 models including 320i, 323i\/323ci, 325i\/325ci, 328i\/328ci, 330i\/330ci, and M3 models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Installation of MaXpeedingRods coilovers is easily accomplished with basic hand tools and can be accomplished with the tools in the following list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Floor jack<\/li>
  • 2 jack stands<\/li>
  • Hammer or mallet<\/li>
  • \u215c\u201d ratchet: 10mm socket, 13mm socket, 16mm socket, 18mm socket<\/li>
  • 16mm wrench<\/li>
  • 22mm wrench<\/li>
  • 17mm tire iron (found it roadside kit)<\/li>
  • Wheel chock (found in roadside kit)<\/li>
  • 2\u00d74 wood blocks<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Note: some vehicles vary in wrench size for sway bar end links.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1 Preparation (front)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface.<\/li>
    • Place 2\u00d74 wood blocks in front of both front wheels, and roll the car on top of them.<\/li>
    • Apply E-brake and put in park (automatic) or leave in gear (manual).<\/li>
    • Using the supplied tire iron, or a breaker ar with a 17mm socket, loosen the wheel bolts on both front wheels at least \u00bc turn, do not fully remove.<\/li>
    • Place the floor jack under the center of the vehicle, and align the puck under the middle front jacking point, as demonstrated in the attached photo below.<\/li>
    • Raise the vehicle, and place the jack stands under the front jack points on both sides.<\/li>
    • Lower the vehicle, taking caution the jack stands are in proper place.<\/li>
    • Remove both front wheels, and place them under the vehicle frame rails, behind the jack stands.<\/li>
    • Perform shake test, and remove the floor jack.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Step 2 Removal of front struts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Remove front sway bar end links from factory struts
        • Be sure to place a 16mm wrench between the ball joint and strut to keep it from rotating<\/li>
        • Note: some vehicles are equipped with end links using a 17mm wrench<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
        • Remove strut clamp bolt
          • Place floor jack under front lower control arm<\/li>
          • Use an 18mm socket on a \u215c wrench, loosen and remove the single strut clamp bolt<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
          • Lower front knuckle
            • Slowly lower the floor jack and lower the knuckle<\/li>
            • Note: it may be necessary to wiggle the knuckle back and forth to break it free from any corrosion<\/em>.<\/li>
            • Lower until the bottom of the strut is almost fully removed from the knuckle<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
            • Remove top hat bolts
              • Use a 13mm socket to remove the 3 top hat bolts under the hood<\/li>
              • Be sure to prop the strut up before removing the last bolt<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
              • Remove strut
                • Hold the strut with one hand, fully remove the last top hat bolt<\/li>
                • Lower the floor jack until the knuckle will not go any lower<\/li>
                • Angle the bottom of the strut outwards, and remove strut<\/li>
                • Use a few zip ties, secure the knuckle so that it does not put any stress on the brake line<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                • Repeat the process on the other side<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Step 3 Installation of front coilovers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  • Prepare coilovers
                    • Place both front coilovers next to each other and ensure that they are set evenly<\/li>
                    • Note: it helps to use a meter stick to get them close; do not tighten any of the lock collars<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                    • Hang coilovers in place
                      • Raise front coilovers in place
                        1. Note: be sure the camber plate is in proper orientation.<\/em><\/li>
                        2. Use the 13mm socket to install the 3 top hat bolts<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                        3. Install coilover into knuckle
                          • Slowly align and raise the knuckle up to the coilover with the floor jack<\/li>
                          • Note: be sure to align the alignment pin with the slot in the knuckle<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                          • Raise floor jack until coilover is fully seated<\/li>
                          • Use the 18mm socket, install the strut clamp bolt and brake line bracket
                            • Note: be sure to make this bolt very tight<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                            • Adjust coilovers
                              • To adjust ride height
                                1. Loosen bottom lock collar<\/li>
                                2. Rotate the entire coilover assembly<\/li>
                                3. Tighten lock collar<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
                                4. To adjust spring preload
                                  1. Loosen lock collar<\/li>
                                  2. Adjust spring perch collar to appropriate height<\/li>
                                  3. Tighten lock collar against spring perch<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
                                  4. Adjust sway bar end link mount
                                    1. Loosen lock collar<\/li>
                                    2. Adjust height so that sway bar does not interfere with other components<\/li>
                                    3. Orient the lock collar<\/li>
                                    4. Tighten lock collar<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                    5. Final assembly
                                      • Use a mallet\/hammer and the supplied coilover wrenches, ensure that all lock collars are sufficiently tight<\/li>
                                      • Use the 16mm socket and ratchet and 16mm wrench, reattach sway bar end link<\/li>
                                      • Final bolt check<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                      • Complete front
                                        • Install both front wheels<\/li>
                                        • Place 2\u00d74 blocks under front wheels, and use the floor jack on the center jack point, lower vehicle<\/li>
                                        • Final tighten wheel bolts in a cross pattern<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Step 4 Preparation (rear)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          • Place 2\u00d74 blocks under rear wheels, and roll vehicle on top of them<\/li>
                                          • Use the OEM wheel chock supplied next to the spare tire, place wheel chock in front of front wheel<\/li>
                                          • Place floor jack under rear subframe and raise vehicle
                                            • Note: do not place floor jack on differential<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                            • Place jack stands under rear jack points, and lower vehicle<\/li>
                                            • Shake test, and remove floor jack<\/li>
                                            • Remove rear wheels, and place under frame rails behind jack stands<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Step 5 Removal of rear springs and shocks<\/strong>
                                              Note: the following steps should be performed simultaneously on both sides of the vehicle in the following order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              • Place floor jack under the rear trailing arm, where the lower control arm mounts, and raise until the suspension raises approx. \u00bc inch<\/li>
                                              • Use the 18mm socket, remove the bottom shock bolt<\/li>
                                              • Lower floor jack until suspension is free hanging<\/li>
                                              • Remove rear springs
                                                • Note: using your hand or foot, you may need to push the suspension down to remove the spring<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                • Unbolt rear shock top hats
                                                  • Remove rear tail light bulb housings<\/li>
                                                  • Remove clips and pull trunk lining away from the sides<\/li>
                                                  • Cut an access hole<\/li>
                                                  • Use the 13mm socket, remove both nuts on both sides (be prepared to catch shock)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Step 6 Installation of rear springs and shocks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    • Prepare spring adjusters and shocks
                                                      • Place all parts next to each other, and ensure they are set equal<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                      • Install rear shocks
                                                        • Raise shock into place, and install the two 13mm nuts<\/li>
                                                        • Note: it may be helpful to have someone assist by holding the shock in place<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                        • Install spring adjusters
                                                          • Put the large bolt through the large washer, and then through the bottom of the rear upper control arm<\/li>
                                                          • Thread spring adjuster on bolt<\/li>
                                                          • Use an adjustable wrench or 21mm wrench, tighten the spring adjuster on the control arm<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                          • Install rear springs
                                                            • Place the large thin washer on top of the spring perch collar on the spring adjuster<\/li>
                                                            • Place the factory rubber damper on top of the new spring<\/li>
                                                            • Install rear spring<\/li>
                                                            • Note: you may have to push the suspension down to install the spring<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                            • Install lower shock bolt
                                                              • Use the floor jack, raise the rear suspension until the hole on the shock lines up with the mounting hole<\/li>
                                                              • Hand thread and tighten the lower shock bolt<\/li>
                                                              • Once hand tight, using the 18mm socket and tighten the bolt fully<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                              • Adjust
                                                                • To adjust ride height, this can be achieved by raising or lowering the spring perch collar on the spring adjuster<\/li>
                                                                • Note: it may be easiest to remove the shock bolt, lower the suspension, and remove the spring for best access to the adjuster.<\/em><\/li>
                                                                • To adjust droop, loosen the lock collar on the rear shock and adjust accordingly<\/li>
                                                                • Once height and droop are adjusted, be sure to tighten lock collars, and use a mallet\/hammer to tap the coilover wrenches tight<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
                                                                • Final assembly
                                                                  • Complete a final bolt check<\/li>
                                                                  • Reinstall rear trunk liner and tail light bulb housings<\/li>
                                                                  • Install both rear wheels<\/li>
                                                                  • Place 2\u00d74 block under rear wheels, and lower vehicle<\/li>
                                                                  • Tighten wheel bolts<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Alongside the vehicle in the guide, Cameron has run these same model coilovers in a race prepared chassis that sees both road and raceway use on a daily basis. After almost 2 years of use and abuse, these coilovers haven\u2019t faltered a bit! He told us that he can also confidently say that these coilovers are robust, and very strong, as with the nature of the raceway fender benders are no stranger.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                    Editor\u2019s Note: This comprehensive guide is shared by Cameron Tuttle. He covers the installation of a set of MaXpeedingRods adjustable coilovers on his 2000 e46 323ci. This guide can be consistent with the majority of the E46 models including 320i, 323i\/323ci, 325i\/325ci, 328i\/328ci, 330i\/330ci, and M3 models. Tools Installation of MaXpeedingRods coilovers is easily accomplished with basic hand tools […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5365,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[24,161],"tags":[558,611,586,612],"class_list":["post-745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-diy-tech","category-low-rider","tag-2000-e46-323ci","tag-bmw-e46","tag-coilovers-install","tag-coilovers-install-e46"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=745"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6736,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/745\/revisions\/6736"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maxpeedingrods.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}