33 52 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right shock absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Car may tilt off lifting platform if the workshop jack is incorrectly handled.
After supporting components, make sure that:

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel . See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
On E82. remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim . See 51 47 161 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM (E82) .

NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers .

Support wheel carrier with workshop jack.

Release nut; if necessary brace on hex head.

Raise wheel carrier with workshop jack until shock absorber can be removed from rubber mount.

Press shock absorber together and remove from rubber mount.

Slowly lower wheel carrier until wheel carrier is suspended.

Remove workshop jack underneath car and lower car.

Fig 1: Locating Self-Locking Nut

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Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 2AZ, see 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS

On E82, go to procedure at Fig 5.

On convertible, open convertible top.

Fig 2: Opening Convertible Top

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Remove expander rivets (1) and fold convertible top compartment base (2) to one side.

Fig 3: Identifying Expander Rivets And Convertible Top Compartment Base

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Press luggage compartment wheel arch trim a little to one side and remove protective cap.

Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at hexagon head.

Remove support bearing upper section (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Nut And Support Bearing Upper Section

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Installation:

Replace support bearing upper section (2).

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ, see 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS

Press shock absorber together and remove from wheel arch.

Installation:

Remove support bearing (lower section) , check for damage and if necessary replace.

Check auxiliary damper and protective tube for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 5: Identifying Shock Absorber

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Replacement:

Remove support pot (1) and auxiliary damper (2) with protective tube (3) from rear shock absorber (4)

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Shock Absorber, Support Pot And Auxiliary Damper With Protective Tube
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