Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 130 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 130 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 120 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 123 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 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 Hatchback (E87) and other BMW models
How to change Shock absorber on BMW E87 118 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on BMW E87 118 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 1 (E87). Tools you need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 17
Torx bit T25
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Flat Screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 1 (E87). Tip from AUTODOC:
  • Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 1 (E87) – 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 E87 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 d 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E87 120 d 2005 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 (E87)
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 d 2006 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 118i 2.0 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Support the stub axle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  6. Step 7
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 8
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 9
    Remove the fastening bolt.
    Step 10
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E87 118 d 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the support from under the stub axle.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    BMW 1 (E87) – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
  8. Step 11
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Detach the lower part of the shock absorber. Use a crowbar.
  9. Step 12
    Lower the car.
    Step 13
    Open the boot lid.
    Step 14
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E87 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the boot front lower lining.
  10. Step 15
    BMW 1 SERIES 116 i Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the clips from the plastic boot sill guard. Use flat screwdrivers (2 pieces).
  11. Step 16
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW E87 2013 118 d by yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners of the plastic boot sill guard. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  12. Step 17
    1 Hatchback (E87) 118i 2.0 2003 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the plastic door sill plate.
  13. Step 18
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Remove the cover of the boot side lining.
  14. Step 19
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E87 2005 118i 2.0 Shock Absorber
    Remove the clips of the boot side lining. Use a flat screwdriver.
  15. Step 20
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 i 2006 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the fastener of the boot side lining. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
  16. Step 21
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW E87 2003 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the boot side lining.
  17. Step 22
    How to replace BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 118 d 2004 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the protective cap of the shock absorber mount. Use a flat screwdriver.
  18. Step 23
    Clean the fasteners of the shock absorber upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 24
    BMW E87 120 d 2005 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #16. Use an adjustable wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 1 (E87)
  19. Step 25
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 116 d 2006 by yourself
    Remove the shock absorber.
  20. Step 26
    Remove the shock absorber upper mount.
    Step 27
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 118i 2.0 2007 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 1 (E87). Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  21. Step 28
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) 2008: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  22. Step 29
    Install the shock absorber upper mount.
    Step 30
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW E87 118 d 2009 - download illustrated guide
    Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  23. Step 31
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 1 SERIES 2010? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and secure it.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW 1 (E87)
  24. Step 32
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW E87 2011 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Tighten the top shock absorber fastening. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 27 Nm torque.
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DIY BMW 1 Hatchback (E87) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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