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

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

31 3 340
31 3 341
31 3 353 . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS -- CLUBMAN .

WARNING: Prior to each use of the special tool 31 3 340, it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully!
All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!
Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear spring strut shock absorber .

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 at guide (1) in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 353 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 353, correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Using Special Tools (31 3 353) And (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not damage protective tube (1).

Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 353.

Fig 2: Using Care To Not Damage Tube (1)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Coils (1) of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 353 when tensioned!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Coils

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Nut may only be release when the spring coil is located completely in the recess of the special tools and the piston rod is freed of load!

Release nut (1), gripping piston rod if necessary.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 3AZ.

Fig 4: Releasing Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Insert coil spring in special tools so that spring end (1) with the smaller spring diameter points downwards in the middle.

Fig 5: Identifying Spring End

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure spring end (1) contacts spring pad correctly. The locator (2) on the spring pad must rest in the recess of the spring cup.

Fig 6: Identifying Spring End And Locator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure that the correct support bearing is installed on each side of the vehicle and it is aligned correctly (corresponding to the line holder).

Fig 7: Identifying Shock Absorber Piston Rod, Thrust Bearing, Hexagon Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Modify or replace stoneguard