How to carry out replacement: Shock Absorber 316ti 1.8 BMW 3 Compact (E46)
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Change BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 Shock Absorber yourself – manuals and video tutorials

How to change rear shock absorbers on BMW 3 Compact (E46) – replacement guide

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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 td, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320 td, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 325 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316 ti … 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 3 Compact (E46) and other BMW models
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Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Compact (E46). List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Combination spanner #17
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Adjustable wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Vice
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Buy tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
  • 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 3 Compact (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Press and hold the folding roof control switch. Hold the button pressed until you get access to the upper fasteners of the shock absorber.
    Step 2
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock strut mount caps. Use a crowbar.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 2002 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the fasteners of the shock absorber upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  3. Step 4
    BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320td 2.0 2003 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318ti 2.0 2004 by yourself
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318td 2.0 2005 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  6. Step 7
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 8
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Compact (E46). Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318Ti 2.0 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the wheel.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 3 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES 316ti 1.8 Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 316ti 1.8 by yourself
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  12. Step 14
    3 Compact (E46) 318td 2.0 2002 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 3 Compact (E46)
  13. Step 15
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2004 318td 2.0 Shock Absorber
    Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 325 ti 2005 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a combination spanner #17.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Compact (E46) 316ti 1.8 2002 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
  18. Step 20
    BMW 3 Compact (E46) 320td 2.0 2003 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Compact (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
    Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop. Replace them if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Compact (E46) 318ti 2.0 2004 by yourself
    Install the mount, boot and bump stop onto a new shock absorber.
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