Removal and installation the rear shock absorber (BMW 3 Series E46)

Shock absorber, suspension spring and shock absorber support

Removal

1. Remove the luggage compartment trim in the area where the shock absorber is mounted.

The operation of lifting and installing the vehicle on stands is associated with danger! Therefore, before carrying out the operation, read the Section Jacking and towing

2. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on stands.



3. Support the lower control arm "4" with a garage lift, placing a wooden block underneath.

If this condition is not met, the suspension beam will fall down after the shock absorber is disconnected. The drive shaft may be damaged.

4. Disconnect the shock absorber "1" at the suspension beam. Mark the position of both washers for subsequent assembly. The thrust washer "3" of the rubber support points towards the head of the bolt "2".



5. Unscrew the two nuts securing the centering cup.

6. Remove the reinforcement plate, if present, on the left side of the vehicle.

7. Remove the shock absorber downwards.

Keep the shock absorber vertically only. Otherwise, increased noise may occur while the car is moving. Then it is necessary to pull out the rod and put the shock absorber for 24 hours at room temperature (+20°C).

Installation

8. Check the shock absorber, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear shock absorber.

9. Be sure to replace the gasket between the shock absorber and the body with a new one.

10. Insert the shock absorber.

11. Insert the reinforcement plate if it was removed.

12. Secure the shock absorber at the top with two new self-locking nuts and tighten them to 25 Nm.

13. Secure the shock absorber at the bottom, without tightening the mounting nuts yet. Don't forget to put washers on both sides of the shock absorber mount. The rubber support thrust washer should point towards the bolt head.



14. Move the garage lift back and lower the vehicle onto its wheels.

15. When tightening the lower shock absorber support nut, the vehicle must not be loaded. For this, the following conditions must be met:

• the car is fully fueled;
• tire pressure to match the established;
• the car has the following loading scheme: 2x68 kg in front, 1x68 kg in the back, 1x21 kg in the center of the trunk;
• the car's suspension is compressed.

16. Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 100 Nm.

17. Close the trunk lid.