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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. 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
Remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim

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.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

For tightening torque refer to 33 52 2AZ in 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Fig 1: Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E93: Remove cable duct.

Remove protective cap.

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

Remove support bearing upper section (2).

Installation:

Replace support bearing upper section (2).

For tightening torque refer to 33 52 1AZ in 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Fig 2: Support Bearing Upper Section And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 3: Shock Absorber And Wheel Arch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

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

Fig 4: Support Pot, Auxiliary Damper, Protective Tube And Rear Shock Absorber

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.