Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear shock absorber on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models
How to change Shock absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E46 convertible. 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
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E46 convertible. 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 E46 convertible – 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 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Press and hold the folding roof control switch. Hold the button pressed until you get access to the upper fasteners of the shock absorber.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the shock strut mount caps. Use a crowbar.
  3. Step 3
    BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Ci 2.2 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock absorber upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci 2.0 2003 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 323Ci 2.5 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005: 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 3 Convertible (E46) 320Cd 2.0 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on BMW 3 SERIES 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the wheel.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 3 SERIES 330Cd 3.0 Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2002 330 Ci by yourself
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  12. Step 12
    3 Convertible (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2003 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005 323Ci 2.5 Shock Absorber
    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 E46 convertible
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325 Ci 2006 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the shock absorber.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Ci 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush.
  18. Step 18
    BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Ci 2.2 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a combination spanner #17.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci 2.0 2003 by yourself
    Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 323Ci 2.5 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E46 convertible. 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.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Shock Absorber on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the mount, boot and bump stop onto a new shock absorber.
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DIY BMW 3 Convertible (E46) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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