Rear shock absorber — removal, repair and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: You will need new upper shock mount nuts and a new gasket during installation.

Removal

1. Support the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and place it on stands (see "Lifting and installing the car on supports"). To improve access, remove the rear wheel.

2. On sedan and coupe models, lift the luggage compartment floor and remove the battery/storage tray cover. On the left side, remove the warning triangle, remove the plastic retainer and remove the warning triangle bracket. Remove the side trim panel retaining clips, then remove the trim panel and insulation panel (to facilitate access to the upper shock absorber support) (fig. 11.2, a, b).





3. On the Touring model, remove the luggage compartment side trim panel (see paragraph 27 of chapter 11).



4. Place a jack under the trailing arm and lift the arm. This will prevent the arm from falling after the shock absorber is removed.

5. Unscrew the bolt securing the shock absorber to the trailing arm (Fig. 11.5).



6. In the luggage compartment, unscrew the nuts of the upper shock absorber mount (Fig. 11.6). Remove the shock absorber from under the car and remove the gasket, which is located between the upper support and the body.

Repair

Note: You will need a new shock absorber rod nut.

7. Remove the cover from the top of the shock absorber, then clean the shock absorber. Unscrew the rod nut and remove the washer, remembering its location.

8. Remove the top support plate, then remove the cover.

9. Remove the bushing and buffer from the shock absorber rod.



10. Check the shock absorber for leaks. Inspect the rod along its entire length for pitting, and the shock absorber body for damage. Holding the shock absorber in a vertical position, check its operation by moving the piston along its entire stroke length, and then by pushing it 50-100 mm. In both cases, you should feel uniform and constant resistance. If you feel jerks or uneven resistance, or if you visually detect wear or damage, the shock absorber should be replaced.

11. Inspect the remaining parts and make sure they are in good working order. Replace faulty parts if necessary.

12. Place the buffer and bushing onto the shock absorber rod, then put on the boot.

13. Install the support plate, washer, screw on the new nut and tighten it securely. Install the cover.

Installation

14. Clean any dirt from the upper support plate and body, then install a new gasket on the support plate.

15. Install the shock absorber in place and screw on new upper support nuts.

16. Make sure that the lower shock absorber mount bushing is turned so that the thrust washer of the bushing faces the bolt. Screw in the lower shock absorber mount bolt and tighten it by hand.

17. Tighten the upper mounting nuts to the specified torque. Install the insulator panel and luggage compartment trim panel, rear light access cover and speaker (if it was removed).

18. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and wheel mounting bolts to the specified torque.

(The original text can be read on the website: «BMWMAN»)