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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT:

When replacing shock absorber/spring strut, renew auxiliary damper!

NOTE:

Read and comply with notes on replacing shock absorbers. See 33 00... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS or 33 90... TROUBLESHOOTING SHOCK ABSORBER .
Read and comply with BMW Parts Department notes.

IMPORTANT: Only for vehicles with self-levelling suspension: (air suspension).
Ensure correct mating (absorber/support cup) when replacing shock absorbers.
The following mating combinations (absorber/support cup) are permissible.

Fig 1: Identifying Shock Absorber Dimension

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Damper	Support pot
A 394.5 mm	B 69.2 mm
C 347.5 mm	C 22.0 mm

Absorber/support cup mating must be identical on left/right sides.

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 2: Identifying Control Unit And Valve

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Installation note:

All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEEL .
Tension both COIL SPRINGS WITH SPECIAL TOOL (and leave on vehicle).
Version with self-levelling suspension: Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Only E72 and E70 with 3rd row seats:

Remove LASHING RAIL IN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT .

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:

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

Partially detach REAR WHEEL ARCH COVER .

If applicable, disconnect both plug connections (3) and expose lines up to shock absorber.

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection For Pulse Sensor

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

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

Installation note:

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

Ensure correct fit in guide.

Retainer must be felt and heard to snap into place.

Fig 4: Identifying Clamp, Brake Hose And Shock Absorber

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Release screw (3).

IMPORTANT: Secure shock absorber against falling out.

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

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

Installation note:

Replace screw.

Tighten down screw in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 52 3AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Shock Absorber From Swinging Arm

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

Release expanding clamps (1).

Press luggage compartment well (2) to one side.

Installation note:

Replace damaged expanding clamps.

Fig 6: Identifying Luggage Compartment Well And Expanding Clamps

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

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Fig 7: Identifying Support Cup Mounting Nuts

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Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ .

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

Installation note:

Clean body contact surface for support bearing flange all round.

Fig 8: Identifying Shock Absorber

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

Fig 9: Identifying Sealing Washer

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Replacement:

Modify SUPPORT BEARING .

Modify auxiliary absorber (1) and protective tube (2) incl. support cup.

Installation note:

Replace auxiliary damper (1) and protective tube (2).

Fig 10: Identifying Auxiliary Absorber And Protective Tube

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After installation:

Activate and fill AIR SPRING SYSTEM
Replacement only: Code shock absorber with DIS tester and check software status.
Replacement only: Carry out VERTICAL ACCELERATION SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .