Question about replacing front strut assembly

[cloak33]

Hey guys. I need to replace the front struts assemblies on a 07 M3 Sedan. I'm plan on buying the complete strut assembly so I don't have to bother with compressing the springs, etc. I have all the tools required, but is this possible to do on jack stands? I know when you undo the nuts from under the hood it needs to drop, but I'm wondering if standard jack stands would have enough clearance.

Thanks

[gabbygenier]

youll be fine with jackstands and a jack, ive done it on 4 mazda 3's now.

not sure where you would buy the shock and spring as one but why spend that much more money, it takes 2 mins to swap the spring from one to the other. spring compressors can be rented at places for cheap. even free at parts source i believe. i would also recommend doing both sides at the same time. dont need to do all 4 corners but at least both fronts.

[cloak33]

youll be fine with jackstands and a jack, ive done it on 4 mazda 3's now.

not sure where you would buy the shock and spring as one but why spend that much more money, it takes 2 mins to swap the spring from one to the other. spring compressors can be rented at places for cheap. even free at parts source i believe. i would also recommend doing both sides at the same time. dont need to do all 4 corners but at least both fronts.

Thanks for the info. I live in Windsor so I can cross to Detroit and pick the whole combo up for about the same price as the one alone. I'd rather just change both out now so I don't need to worry about it. Any tips you could relay about doing it? I know a lot of times you'll "think" you have everything unbolted but it won't budge. Or worse you know everything is unbolted and it still won't move.

Thanks

[gabbygenier]

a good trick to the the bottom part out of the hole/slot, is to use the scissor jack that came with the car. sometimes it comes out with a mallet easily but other times it wont. depends how old the car is and the shape its in really. and if you have issues with putting the new ones in, put the bolt in backwards and put a quarter in there to spread it apart. sometimes the slot isnt open enough for the new shock as some have a bit more paint then the stock ones. i dont have pics to explain but i can try and get some if you have any issues.

one thing to do is spray some wd40 or something like that a few days before in the bottom where the shock sits. loosen things up a bit

also, get some endlinks. same as above, ive had to cut some off of cars when i did them. the stupid alan key/bolt design is kind of stupid. you can always return them if you dont use them. and theyre only around 30$

[cloak33]

a good trick to the the bottom part out of the hole/slot, is to use the scissor jack that came with the car. sometimes it comes out with a mallet easily but other times it wont. depends how old the car is and the shape its in really. and if you have issues with putting the new ones in, put the bolt in backwards and put a quarter in there to spread it apart. sometimes the slot isnt open enough for the new shock as some have a bit more paint then the stock ones. i dont have pics to explain but i can try and get some if you have any issues.

one thing to do is spray some wd40 or something like that a few days before in the bottom where the shock sits. loosen things up a bit

also, get some endlinks. same as above, ive had to cut some off of cars when i did them. the stupid alan key/bolt design is kind of stupid. you can always return them if you dont use them. and theyre only around 30$

Excellent! Thanks for the tips.