Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 i, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 125 i, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 118 i, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 118 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 123 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 i, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 118 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 i, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 d, BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 118 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 1 Convertible (E88) and other BMW models
How to change Shock absorber on BMW E88 120d 2.0 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on BMW E88 120d 2.0 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #13
Combination spanner #15
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #22
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 17
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Torx bit T45
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Flat chisel
Hammer
Flat Screwdriver
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). AUTODOC recommends:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 1 Convertible (E88) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2008 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120d 2.0 2009 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E88 118 i 2010 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 1 Convertible (E88)
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 i 2011 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 7
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2012 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #15. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 8
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
    Step 9
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 2013: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring. Use a flat screwdriver.
  7. Step 10
    Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 11
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E88 135 i 2008 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use Torx T45. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 12
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2009? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
  9. Step 13
    Clean the fasteners connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 14
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2010 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the front fastener of the control arm. Use a combination spanner #18.
  10. Step 15
    BMW 1 SERIES 120d 2.0 Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the rear fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #18 (2 pieces).
  11. Step 16
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2012 120d 2.0 by yourself
    Remove the rear fastener of the control arm.
  12. Step 17
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 18
    1 Convertible (E88) 125 i 2013 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 19
    Remove the fastening bolt.
    Step 20
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.
  14. Step 21
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E88 2009 125 i Shock Absorber
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Make sure that the steering knuckle is supported.
  15. Step 22
    Lower the car.
    Step 23
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 24
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 25
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 26
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 118d 2.0 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount. Use a combination spanner #13. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 1 Convertible (E88)
  16. Step 27
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2008 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the suspension strut.
  17. Step 28
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). Professionals recommend:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
    Step 29
    How to replace BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120d 2.0 2009 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Compress the spring.
  18. Step 30
    BMW E88 118 i 2010 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the shock strut mount cap. Use a flat screwdriver.
  19. Step 31
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 120 i 2011 by yourself
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  20. Step 32
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2012 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  21. Step 33
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 2013: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the top strut mount. Use a flat screwdriver.
  22. Step 34
    Release the coil spring.
    Step 35
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E88 135 i 2008 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the spring.
  23. Step 36
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2009? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  24. Step 37
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Step 38
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2010 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the rubber spring spacer. Use a flat screwdriver.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  25. Step 39
    BMW 1 SERIES 120d 2.0 Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the rubber spring spacer.
  26. Step 40
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Step 41
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E88 2012 120d 2.0 by yourself
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  27. Step 42
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
    Step 43
    Compress the spring.
    Step 44
    1 Convertible (E88) 125 i 2013 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a flat screwdriver.
  28. Step 45
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Convertible (E88) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW 1 Convertible (E88). Professionals recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  29. Step 46
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E88 2009 125 i Shock Absorber
    Install the shock strut mount cap.
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DIY BMW 1 Convertible (E88) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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