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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Shocks

Lift the vehicle on a hydraulic lift and remove the rear wheels; place a jack stand under the hub to support it during the shock absorber removal. Then, remove the shock absorber mounting bolt from the hub support. Access the trunk, remove the carpet lining to reach the upper shock mount; then remove the mounting bolts of the shock mount to complete the removal. Install the new shock absorber by applying the new mount with gasket, then secure it to the body by tightening the mounting bolts carefully. Before applying the lower mounting bolt, also replace the springs (consider getting help to lower the suspension to facilitate installation).

Updated on 6 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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BMW Serie 3 (2005-2013 / E92, E90, E91) Replacing the rear shock absorbers is definitely simpler than the front ones since the shock and spring are not co-axial; therefore, lift the vehicle…
BMW Serie 3 (1990-2001 / E36) Lift the vehicle on a hydraulic lift and remove the front wheels; disconnect the grommets from the designated slots on the shock absorber and proceed…
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) To replace the shock absorbers, first obtain the appropriate clamps to compress the spring attached to the shock. Remove the old shock absorber from …

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