33 52 000 Removing and Installing/Replacing Rear Left or Right Shock Absorber

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Installing shock absorbers of different manufacturers on a single axle is not permitted!

NOTE: Use BMW part number (1) to find the matching shock absorber.

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

Fig 1: Identifying BMW Part Number Label

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL
Remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim. See 51 47 161 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM or 51 47 151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM .

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).

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ. See 52 SHOCK ABSORBER

Fig 2: Identifying Support Bearing Upper Section & Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING:

Danger of injury!

Car may tilt off lifting platform if the workshop jack is incorrectly handled.

Release nut; if necessary brace on hex head.

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

Compress shock absorber and remove through wheel arch.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 2AZ. See 52 SHOCK ABSORBER

Fig 3: Locating Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

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

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

Installation:

Check auxiliary damper (2) for damage and replace if necessary.

Fig 4: Identifying Support Pot, Auxiliary Damper & Protective Tube

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.