Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 328i, and 2009 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

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.

Fig 1: Locating Self-Locking Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 2: Identifying Nut And Support Bearing Upper Section

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: Identifying Wheel Arch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.