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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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.

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.

Fig 1: Identifying BMW Part Number

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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 See 5147161 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM or 5147151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT 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.

Fig 2: Locating Self Locking Nut

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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.

Tightening torque 33 52 2AZ .

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 .

Fig 3: Identifying Support Bearing Upper Section With Nut

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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 Wheel Arch

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Replacement

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.