Important!

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

Alternative products

Top strut mount

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Convertible (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 Convertible (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 Convertible (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 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.

Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 Convertible (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 Convertible (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 Convertible (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 Convertible (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 Convertible (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.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 3 Convertible (E36) model

BMW E36 Convertible tyre size

How to change rear suspension lower control arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.92 MB
How to change front wheel bearing on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.07 MB
How to change front strut mount on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.57 MB
How to change rear anti roll bar links on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.76 MB
How to change front anti roll bar links on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.56 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.86 MB

How to change rear strut mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E90) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.27 MB
How to change front strut mount on BMW E90 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.48 MB
How to change rear strut mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2 MB
How to change front strut mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.27 MB
How to change front strut mount on BMW 3 Coupe (E92) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.27 MB
How to change rear strut mount on BMW 3 Coupe (E92) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.29 MB

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

Transform Your Old Engine Valve Cover: Quick Polishing Tips for a Shiny Finish | AUTODOC Tips

11K views

Published on: 30/11/2023
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid for Safe Engine Bay Repairs | AUTODOC Tips

9K views

Published on: 04/08/2023
DIY manual gearbox restoration | Drivetrain restoration – Part 3

19K views

Published on: 14/11/2024
How to Fix P0401 ✅ error code Insufficient EGR flow

7K views

Published on: 08/05/2025