33 52 000 Removing And Installing/Replacing Rear Left Or Right Shock Absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers . See 33 00 ... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:

IMPORTANT: Handle the spring strut with care so as to avoid damaging the control unit (1) and control valve (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Control Unit And Control Valve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel.
Tension both coil springs (and leave on vehicle). See 33 53 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT COIL SPRING .
Version with ride-height control: Deactivate and drain air spring system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:

NOTE: The plug connections on the right side are shown.

Partially detach rear wheel arch cover . See 51 71 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER .

Detach both plug connections (3) and expose lines up to shock absorber.

Plug connection for brake pad wear sensor
Plug connection for pulse generator

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release retainer (1) and remove brake hose (2) from shock absorber (4).

Installation:

When installing the shock absorber, ensure that the holder for the brake hose (2) points to the middle of the vehicle.

Ensure correct seating in guide.

Retainer must be felt and heard to snap into place.

Unscrew bolt (3).

IMPORTANT: Secure shock absorber against falling out.

Remove shock absorber (4) from swinging arm and tie back.

Fig 3: Identifying Retainer, Brake Hose, Bolt And Shock Absorber

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before tightening screw/bolt connection, check that shock absorber pin is correctly positioned in swinging arm.
Screw must not be used as an aid to installing the shock absorber!

Installation:

Replace screw.

Tighten bolt in normal position .

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Shock Absorber Pin In Swinging Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not pull expanding clips with luggage compartment tray out of lashing rail.

Release expanding clips (1).

Press luggage compartment tray (2) to one side.

Installation:

Replace damaged expanding clips.

Fig 5: Identifying Expanding Clips And Luggage Compartment Tray

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Pictured: the support pot for steel spring suspension or 5-seater with ride-height control up to 09/2007, both for conventional shock absorbers and controlled shock absorbers. From 09/2007 this support pot will only be fitted in vehicles with steel spring suspension.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 6: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove shock absorber if necessary with connecting lines in downward direction.

Installation:

Clean body contact surface for support bearing flange all round.

Fig 7: Identifying Shock Absorber With Connecting Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Replace faulty sealing washer (1).
Refit sealing washer (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Sealing Washer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Modify support bearing . See 33 52 161 REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT THRUST BEARING FOR SPRING STRUT/SHOCK ABSORBER .

Modify auxiliary damper (1) and protective tube (2) incl. support pot ().

Installation:

Check auxiliary damper (1) and protective tube (2) for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 9: Identifying Auxiliary Damper And Protective Tube

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Replacement only: Code shock absorber with DIS Tester and check software status
Replacement only: Carry out vertical acceleration sensor adjustment . See 37 .. ... PERFORMING VERTICAL ACCELERATION SENSOR ADJUSTMENT (VERTICAL DYNAMICS MANAGEMENT) .