E24 shocker removal from strut

[Hwalker1]

I have removed the struts from my low mileage 635 Highline 1989. Can anyone tell me what special tool is needed to remove the threaded locking ring that holds the shocker in the strut.
Bilstein tell me it's a BMW special tool
The ring is circular and has 4 holes in it 6 mm dia on a pcd of circa 46 mm that are at 90 degree intervals around it. No problems removing the springs.
The tool must be pretty strong to cope with the high installation torque. It could be very strong pin spanner or wrench. There was a post on this forum but I cannot find it anymore.
Lots of videos on YouTube, but not one for an e24 mention this. It's the Euro Highline version.
Or must I buy new struts to go with the £1,600 worth of bits supplied by BMW

[shogun]

I will move that to the E24 forum

[1986series6]

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...shop-equipment

https://sierramadrecollection.com/Bi...-6-p32299.html

[e24mpwr]

The second link (sierra) is what I used - I just saw it in my garage yesterday. If you were in the US, I'd send/loan it to you. IIRC Bilstein sent it to me for free.

Do you have a spring compressor?

I'll try to post pix of what I'm talking about tomorrow

[jmpower]

The Bilstein tool is no use for the type of insert described. The description is for the likes of Sachs/Boge. To remove what you have you can make a tool or if you do not need to reuse the locking ring then a hammer and a punch can be used to undo it. Or a large stilson wrench. If there is a lot of corrosion on the threads they can be difficult to remove so lots of penetrating oil.

[RSheiman]

I use a plumbers wrench, thin enough to fit between the turns of the spring. Key is to loosen before you remove the strut housing.

[88m53453]

Back in the day, I've used a hammer and a large chisel