Note: The need to replace one or both shock absorbers can only be determined using a shock tester ("Shock-Tester") directly on the vehicle or on a shock absorber diagnostic stand in a removed state.
Removal of the rear shock absorber strut with spring spring must be carried out in the following order.
Unscrew the nuts (arrows, Fig. 14.57, a, and 14.57, b), remove the expansion rivets and remove the trunk trim panel on the left and right sides.
Support the wheel bearing support with a garage jack, while not allowing tension on the brake system hoses. Remove the protective cap (12, see Fig. 14.56). Unscrew the nuts (11) of the upper support of the shock absorber and remove the sealing washer (8). Unscrew the nut (3), remove the bolt (2) and disconnect the shock absorber from the swing arm; if necessary, press the shock absorber with a wooden wedge.
Release the jack and remove the shock absorber (1) and the spring (16). Holding the rod from turning with a spanner, unscrew the nut (10) and remove the upper support (7) of the shock absorber strut (1).
The installation of the shock absorber strut should be carried out in the reverse order, while it is necessary.
Replace the self-locking nut (10, M12x1.5) shock absorber rod and tighten it to a torque of 27 N·m (2.7 kgf·m).
Replace the self-locking nuts (11, M10) of the upper shock absorber strut support and tighten them to a torque of 56 N·m (5.6 kgf·m).
Install a new bushing into the hole in the rocker arm and tighten the new self-locking nut (3) with a flange (M14x1.5) to a final torque of 165 N·m (16.5 kgf·m) with the vehicle loaded and standing on its wheels.
Replace the body trim panel expansion rivets with new ones.
You can find the original version on the portal «BMWMan»