Front Shock Absorber ↗
Strut-insert swap for 1980s/90s BMWs: caliper (two 19 mm nuts), disc, ABS sensor and sway-bar link off, three lower bolts and three top nuts out, then the spring is compressed and the collar nut freed. The author spent about 2 hours on removal and refit plus a lot more time fighting spring compressors and a seized collar nut.
Tools mentioned: Spring compressors (two good ones), 19 mm socket, air wrench helpful