Strut Socket Alternatives?
 

Hey all, I apologize in advance if this has been discussed. I've done some searching and haven't found a straight answer.

I have a set of Megan Euro II coil overs for my R53 and this weekend looks like it'd be a perfect opportunity to install them as I'm generally very busy and have a little free time. A friend and I were planning on tackling the install in my garage, at least until I started seeing comments about needing a BMW strut socket tool. I have a feeling that I won't be able to get my hands on one in the next 36 hours, so I wanted to post up and see if there are workable/reasonable alternatives to having this tool.

I have both pneumatic and electric impact guns, but I believe this route is generally frowned upon.

Any input is much appreciated and again, sorry if this is a silly or needless question.

An deep offset box wrench can work depending on the angle of the offset.
A vice grip on a socket (may need to grind two flat spots for better purchase of the vice grip) with an allen down the center can also work.

If the Megan’s have top hats on them, no need for the strut tool. The strut tool is for removing the top strut mount front the strut.

Two things: You have a R53?, you're posing is in 2nd Gen.

I used a box wrench and an Allen Key to tighten the top of my strut. Spray up your Pinch Bolt the night before, I've been down that road..

By top hats, do you mean the adjustment knobs? I noticed the nut on the top of the Megans is about an 18 or 19mm as well, so it seems the 21mm strut tool would be completely pointless. The Megans have camber plates, etc. so I thought it might be different.

I should also note that this is for an R53...sorry about that. Realized after posting that I'm in the Gen 2 section. Thanks for the info though, I appreciate it!

LOL yeah sorry about that. Realized shortly after I posted. Thanks for the heads up on the pinch bolt too! I was going to put the car up tonight so I can start early tomorrow. It's going to be about 112 degrees out, so the earlier I can start the better.

Euro 1:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...96764568b8.jpg

Euro 2:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ad023dd935.jpg


The front Megan coilovers come with the strut mounting plate. No need to dismantle the stock strut to install the Magans. If you have the Euro 2 set, you even have the rear top hat, so no need to dismantle the rears.

This thread is moot.

Hey I've never been so happy to hear my thread is moot. lol

Thank you for the clarification though.