rear coil spring snapped!

kalaharix5 · #1 04-20-2018, 12:12 PM

Looked at the X5 the other day and seemed to be listing to the back drivers side. Couldn't see anything while on the ground so today jackup up and pulled the wheel and the rear coil spring is snapped. The bottom portion is gone and spring now hung up on suspension. It didn't drive unusual, but goes in Monday to be replaced.

Did a search and didn't see anyone else having the problem.

Only thing I can think is must have hit one of New England's wonderful pot holes and did the damage.

I have 74K miles on 2012 X5 3.5i with Route 66 extended warranty. Called them and was told it is covered under warranty...at least there is a bright side.

Bimmer360 · #2 04-20-2018, 01:53 PM

Never heard of such issue before, i guess I never paid attention since I have air suspension. Normally when you hit nasty potholes, wheels gets damaged first, well at least in my case. Good thing it's under warranty for yours and good to know that it can happen

dennisvab · #3 04-20-2018, 03:28 PM

Ive snapped a rear coil on my 2012 Audi A4. No idea how thats possible. But it happened.

kalaharix5 · #4 04-20-2018, 03:37 PM

Taking the X5 to my local guy. Guy is really good, said he will check to try and see why it broke and check the passenger side also. He also has good repore with local BMW dealership mechanics to check with them if this is a broader issue.

ard · #5 04-20-2018, 05:30 PM

You should check, but I seem to recall that the BMW procedures states they must be replaced in pairs....

Entropy · #6 04-20-2018, 05:37 PM

Not the first time I’ve heard of this happening to an E70.

kalaharix5 · #7 04-20-2018, 06:42 PM

I’ll be having both rear springs replaced.

kalaharix5 · #8 04-25-2018, 03:07 PM

Had both rear springs replaced with BMW oem parts ($202 each!) thru local garage. Route 66 Warranty only covered broken spring and labor, as they only cover broken parts!? I told them BMW recommends both springs be replaced at same time, no go from Route 66. They did pick up $392 for one out of $680 for the pair being replaced. The broken spring had to be cut out as it wrapped itself around the rest of the suspension! Nice firm ride returns to the X5.

michael557 · #9 12-24-2021, 07:24 AM

just for the record, one rear spring broke and twice had the front driver side broke, i must state that the front that broke twice was replaced by another one from an X5 with low mileage, conclusion BMW OEM coils are GARBAGE, dont replace with original coils , get Eibach or H&R

crystalworks · #10 12-24-2021, 02:53 PM

This seems like it might be an issue of corrosion. Looks like those of you where salt is used on the roads have the lion's share of spring issues. Down in South Texas, over ~20 BMWs, I've never had an OE spring break. Nor have I heard of a local having the issue. Not that it hasn't happened, but working at a shop, I would have thought we'd have seen one if it were a problem here.

So, as a PSA, if you live in an area where the roads are salted, be sure you wash your undercarriage and wheel wells once a week to prevent problems. This is good maintenance for other problems too; brake lines, rust on frame/body, etc.