Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i, BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds, BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 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 – Strut Mount for 3 Compact (E36) and other BMW models

Top strut mount

        Top strut mount for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (102 hp)
      
        Top strut mount for 3 Compact (E36) Diesel (90 hp)
      
        Top strut mount for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (140 hp)
      
        Top strut mount for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (140 hp)
      
        Top strut mount for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (170 hp)

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). List of the tools you'll need:

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

Buy tools

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:

The replacement procedure is identical for the mounts of the right and left shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
Both mounts of the rear shock struts should be replaced simultaneously.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Recommended sequence of steps:

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 Compact (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 Compact (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.

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Tip from AUTODOC:
Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
Step 21

Install the new shock absorber mount.
Step 22

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 23

Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
Step 24

Treat the shock absorber rod fastener. Use copper grease.
Step 25

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

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW 3 Compact (E36) – To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber while screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 26

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 27

Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Do not tighten it.
Step 28

Raise the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
Step 29

Tighten the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 Nm torque.
Step 30

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 31

Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.

Step 32

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 33

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 34

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Compact (E36). After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 35

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW 3 Compact (E36)
Step 36

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 37

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 38

Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 39

Tighten the top shock absorber fastening. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 24 Nm torque.
Step 40

Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.
Step 41

Attach the side lining of the boot.
Step 42

Install the clips of the boot side lining.

Step 43

Close the lid of the luggage compartment.

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