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

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.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Vehicle may tilt off vehicle hoist 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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT:

When replacing shock absorber/spring strut, renew auxiliary damper!

Necessary preliminary work

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 .

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.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Carrier Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Bolt head must point to rear.

Tighten down bolt connection in normal position .

Tightening torque 33 52 4AZ .

Replacement only:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection, Shock Absorber And Adapter Lead

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove REST SIDE SECTION ON REAR SEAT BACK .

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

Installation note:

Make sure adapter lead is correctly routed.

Remove protective cap.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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

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

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection, Adapter Lead And Support Bearing With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove support bearing upper section (4).

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ .

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

Press shock absorber together and remove from wheel arch.

Installation note:

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

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 Rear Shock Absorber With Support Pot, Auxiliary Damper And Protective Tube

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.