51 12 742 Replacing One Shock Absorber For Rear Bumper

Release expansion rivets (1) and remove tray (2).

Installation: 

1. If necessary, remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim on left.
   Fig 1: Releasing Expansion Rivets

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with battery in luggage compartment:

Turn rotary clips (1) through 90°.

Feed shelf (2) out of luggage compartment wheel arch trim (3).

Unclip cover (1) on left and right.

Release nuts (1) on inside and remove shock absorber.

Installation: 

Tightening Torque, refer to 51 12 3AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Installation: 

1. Mount seal (2) on shock absorber (1).
2. Fit protective cap (3) to right shock absorber (1).
   Fig 5: View Of Seal On Shock Absorber

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

1. If necessary, fit a new gasket (1) and a new cover (2) to shock absorber (3).
   Fig 6: Installing Gasket And New Cover

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjusting Bumper: 

Ideal adjustment:

Distance (A) must be the same all around between the bumper and body cutout.

Distance (A) = 2^+0.8/-0.5 mm.