I've already replaced the front struts w/ Bilstein Sports and front springs w/ the CSi sport springs, no issues.

I'm now in the process of replacing the rear shocks w/ Bilstein Sports and CSi springs. The shocks are off but I'm having trouble removing the stock springs, just can't get the suspension to drop enough to remove them. My strut spring compressor can't get in there and when looking at the area to work in I'm not sure a coil spring compressor will fit inside that hole at the bottom of the spring perch. I removed the sway bar link bolts but that didn't buy me much.

Has anyone used a coil spring compressor or should it even be needed? If they have one I'll get a loaner from Autozone or one of the other parts places.

There is a way to let down the part of the suspension but I wasn't impressed enough to try it.

Spring compressor or lower the subframe and that is painful but preserves the alignment.

Found this: DIY descriptions thread http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e31/6748710-1.html

Thanks Terry. The first process won't work but I'm going to try the 2nd procedure.
The car is on my scissor lift which helps. Rear shocks are already off the car.

The spring compressor from Advance auto parts is too big to fit inside the springs.

The only time that I had mine out , I had the subframe dropped down over a foot to weld new brackets on for my sway bars.

They fall right out then:)

I'd like to see someone do that 2nd process in 20 min! I really don't want to lower the exhaust but I guess I'll have to. I'm hoping I'll be able to get that 6" link back in, that's under a lot of stress, aligning that back up is going to be a pain.

Edit: turned out loosening the exhaust wasn't so bad, used HD rubber bunge to keep the mufflers from dropping more than a couple of inches. As for that 6" link, it was a breeze, that arm rotates about 20 deg and the bolt went right back in after the axle was jacked up high enough.

Well, got the orig. springs out following procedure #2 but I had to improvise a little.

This is not for the faint of heart, I had to compress the springs by jacking up on the lower shock perch. Then took nylon webbing strap (think motorcycle tiedown straps) and wrap/tie on 2 sides of the spring so it wouldn't uncompress all the way when I let the jack down. Then was able to use a heavy duty screwdriver and a pry bar to get the springs out. I then used my strut spring compressor to remove the nylon straps. I was as careful as I could be when those springs were held compressed by the straps but at no time did they give any indication they were about to let go.

If I had to do it over again I would get some 6" bolts to replace the long bolts on my strut spring compressor and used that in place of the nylon straps.

The coil spring compressor on loan from Advance Auto Parts was useless, it wouldn't fit inside the spring and it's bolt was far too long.

Next I get to replace the driveshaft and change the tranny fluid and filter, oh boy!