Does anybody here knows the proper orientation of rear coil springs?

[jcp240z]

I believe that the plastic cap is key. It should fit into the top hole of the spring. Then that slides into the rubber cap with the fingers. That is what aligns it.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by jcp240z

I believe that the plastic cap is key. It should fit into the top hole of the spring. Then that slides into the rubber cap with the fingers. That is what aligns it.

I wish if it was that simple, but the problem lies in the fact that both ends must seat the pads all the way and it's simply impossible. Anyway, here is the real problem:

After a long search I came to conclusion that ECS Tuning kit contains the wrong springs. At the moment they refusing to agree with me but I'll provide additional proof on Friday when I receive Suplex springs from another vendor.

The issue:

The whole point of this kit is to replace rear air springs with OEM coil springs found on some 3.0 models. ECS Tuning kit supplies 33 53 6 779 860 OEM springs found on later 2009+ E70 models and maybe some other.

These springs simply don't match the upper and lower spring pads provided since pads belong on E53 and springs don't. I keep telling them to check any BMW catalog, these springs won't fit on E53 due to different shape of ends.

I've also sent the link of this thread and ask them to open one of their kits in warehouse and to try to match springs with pads.

The correct part # is 33 53 1 096 302 or Suplex 06204 which I'm getting on Friday. These are direct fit to E53 3.0 which again is the whole point of the kit.

Once I show them a picture of springs pads they supplied (which are perfect fit to E53) matching the coil springs I'm getting, I'm hoping they'll finally realize their mistake.

While I'm trully pissed of by wasting 1/2 a day and ECS Tuning claiming they're right, I'll be fair and wait to receive the springs and show them irrefutable proof. They also claim they sold bunch of these kits with no issues but I simply don't believe that.

They agreed to take them back (I saved the packaging and they're in as new condition) and we'll see if they live up to their word.