51 12 742 Replacing One Shock Absorber For Rear Bumper

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Installation:

If necessary, remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim on left.

Fig 1: Releasing Expansion Rivets
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Version with battery in luggage compartment:

Turn rotary clips (1) through 90°.

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

Fig 2: View Of Rotary Clips

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Unclip cover (1) on left and right.

Fig 3: Unclipping Cover On Left And Right

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

Installation:

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

Fig 4: Releasing Nuts

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Installation:

Mount seal (2) on shock absorber (1).
Fit protective cap (3) to right shock absorber (1).

Fig 5: View Of Seal On Shock Absorber
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Installation:

If necessary, fit a new gasket (1) and a new cover (2) to shock absorber (3).

Fig 6: Installing Gasket And New Cover
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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.

Fig 7: Identifying Bumper Gap Adjustment

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