Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118 d, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 135 i, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 123 d, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 i, BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118 d View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on BMW 1 Series E82 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 1 Coupe (E82) and other BMW models
How to change Shock absorber on BMW E82 120 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on BMW E82 120 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Tools you need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #13
Combination spanner #18
HEX bit no.H6.
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 15
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Wheel impact socket #17
Shock absorber socket
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Professionals recommend:
  • 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 E82 – 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 E82 2006 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d 2007 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    BMW E82 123 d 2008 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118d 2.0 2009 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a combination spanner #13.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2010 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2011: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E82 120i 2.0 2012 - download illustrated guide
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2013? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the wheel.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 1 SERIES 123 d Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2008 120 d by yourself
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #15. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 12
    1 Coupe (E82) 125 i 2009 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2010 - tips and tricks
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E82 2011 125 i Shock Absorber
    Detach the ABS sensor connector.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 135i 3.0 2012 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 - free PDF and video manuals
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d 2007 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  18. Step 18
    BMW E82 123 d 2008 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the brake caliper together with its bracket.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118d 2.0 2009 by yourself
    Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2010 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2011: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E82 120i 2.0 2012 - download illustrated guide
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  23. Step 23
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2013? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the rear fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  24. Step 24
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    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.
  25. Step 26
    BMW 1 SERIES 123 d Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the front arm fastener. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2008 120 d by yourself
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  27. Step 28
    1 Coupe (E82) 125 i 2009 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the control arms. Use a crowbar.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2010 - tips and tricks
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E82 2011 125 i Shock Absorber
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 135i 3.0 2012 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
  31. Step 32
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 - free PDF and video manuals
    Lower the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
  32. Step 33
    How to replace BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d 2007 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  33. Step 34
    BMW E82 123 d 2008 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Tip:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118d 2.0 2009 by yourself
    Remove the suspension strut.
  35. Step 36
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2010 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Tip from AUTODOC:
    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.
  36. Step 37
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2011: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Compress the spring.
  37. Step 38
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E82 120i 2.0 2012 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the shock strut mount cap. Use a crowbar.
  38. Step 39
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2013? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  39. Step 40
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  40. Step 41
    BMW 1 SERIES 123 d Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the top strut mount.
  41. Step 42
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2008 120 d by yourself
    Release the coil spring.
  42. Step 43
    1 Coupe (E82) 125 i 2009 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the spring.
  43. Step 44
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2010 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  44. Step 45
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E82 2011 125 i Shock Absorber
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  45. Step 46
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 135i 3.0 2012 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  46. Step 47
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  47. Step 48
    How to replace BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 120 d 2007 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  48. Step 49
    BMW E82 123 d 2008 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Compress the spring.
  49. Step 50
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 118d 2.0 2009 by yourself
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  50. Step 51
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 125 i 2010 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.
    Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E82. Tip:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  51. Step 52
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 2011: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
  52. Step 53
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E82 120i 2.0 2012 - download illustrated guide
    Install the shock strut mount cap.
  53. Step 54
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2013? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Decompress the spring.
  54. Step 55
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E82 2006 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
BMW 1 Coupe (E82) Shock Absorber replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY BMW 1 Coupe (E82) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW 1 Coupe (E82)
View more
  • How to change Shocks on BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 135i 3.0 - replacement tricks
    TOP 4 car cleaning products | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Shock absorbers BMW E82 120 d - Replacement Tips
    How to Make a DIY Foam Sprayer | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW 1 Coupe (E82) 123 d Struts replacement guide
    5 Tips for New Drivers | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Struts and shocks on BMW E82 - free video tips
    4 reasons why your CHECK ENGINE light is on | AUTODOC tips