Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 320 i, BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 325 i, BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 318 i, BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 328 i, BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 323 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 3 Convertible (E36) and other BMW models

Shock absorber

        Shock absorber for 3 Convertible (E36) Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 3 Convertible (E36) Petrol (192 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 3 Convertible (E36) Petrol (115 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 3 Convertible (E36) Petrol (193 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 3 Convertible (E36) Petrol (170 hp)

Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Convertible (E36). Tools you might need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Brake cleaner 
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Drive socket # 13
                      
                        Drive socket # 16
                      
                        Drive socket # 17
                      
                        Clip removal tool
                      
                        Shock absorber socket #DD6
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #17
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Vice
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Convertible (E36). 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 3 Convertible (E36) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the boot lid.

Step 2

Remove the clips of the boot side lining. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 3

Detach the boot side lining.
Step 4

Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 5

Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 6

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 7

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 8

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.

Step 9

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 3 Convertible (E36)
Step 10

Remove the wheel.
Step 11

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 12

Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13

Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts.
Step 14

Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 15

Remove the shock absorber.
Step 16

Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 17

Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
Step 18

Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 19

Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 20

Remove the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 21

Remove the shock absorber dust boot and bump stop.

Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Convertible (E36). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary. Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 22

Install the dust boot and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
Step 23

Install the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 24

Tighten the shock absorber rod nut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6 Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 37 nm torque.
Step 25

Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
Step 26

Treat the shock absorber rod fastener. Use copper grease.
Step 27

Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber while screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 28

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 29

Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Do not tighten it.
Step 30

Raise the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
Step 31

Tighten the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 Nm torque.
Step 32

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Convertible (E36). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 33

Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.

Step 34

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 35

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 36

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW 3 Convertible (E36). After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 37

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. BMW 3 Convertible (E36)
Step 38

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 39

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 40

Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 41

Tighten the top shock absorber fastening. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 24 Nm torque.
Step 42

Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.
Step 43

Attach the side lining of the boot.
Step 44

Install the clips of the boot side lining.

Step 45

Close the lid of the luggage compartment.

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