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Installing Rear Springs and Shocks

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Part: Suspension system

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Video tutorial

Lift the rear of the car. After removing the spring corresponding to the lifted suspension, proceed to install the new suspension for the right rear wheel. To do this, loosen the spring locking bolt and the shock absorber bolt connected to the wheel.

This removes the tension, allowing you to extract the suspension spring. To install the new spring, insert the fastening bolt from the bottom.

Place the spring locking piece on top and secure it by tightening the nut onto the bolt. Insert the gasket into the upper housing of the spring and finally position the spring.

To replace the shock absorber, move the cover from its housing and locate the plastic caps covering access to the upper shock absorber bolts. Loosen the nuts and remove the shock absorber from the bottom.

Install the new shock absorber and secure it in place by tightening the nuts onto the bolts that hold it (two on top and one on the bottom, at the wheel). The procedure is the same for the left wheel.

Reinstall the wheels and remove the jack. The maintenance operation shown in the images is performed on a BMW 3 Series.


Updated on 20 February 2026 by ScegliAuto


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