33 52 010 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right shock absorber (M3)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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 WHEEL AND TIRES - REPAIR .
Remove luggage compartment wheel arch trim . See SIDE PANELS .

Support wheel carrier with workshop jack.

Release screw (1).

Slowly lower wheel carrier until wheel carrier is suspended.

Remove workshop jack underneath car and lower car.

Installation:

Bolt head must point to rear.

Tighten down bolt connection in normal position. See 32 00 ... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 52 4AZ . See 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Fig 1: Identifying Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

IMPORTANT: Shock absorber and adapter lead (2) must be replaced together!

Remove rest side section on rear seat back.

Disconnect plug connection (1) and expose adapter lead (2) up to shock absorber.

Installation:

Make sure adapter lead is correctly routed.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Expose Adapter Lead

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove protective cap.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Replacement: Remove adapter lead (2) with protective cap.

Release nut (3); if necessary, grip at hexagon head.

Remove support bearing upper section (4).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ . See 33 52 SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Protective cap is marked "L" for left side and "R" for right side (risk of mixing up).

Fig 3: Identifying Support Bearing Upper Section, Nut And Adapter Lead

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 4: Identifying 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 5: Identifying Support Pot, Auxiliary Damper, Protective Tube And Rear Shock Absorber

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.