Rear Shock Replacement - DIY anywhere??

$chlitz · #1 04-01-2014, 02:18 PM

i searched and searched, but came up empty...just wondering if anyone knows of an existing DIY for rear shock replacement--NOT air suspension, just standard shocks. i'm thinking it can't be all that difficult, but i really hate just randomly pulling on trim pieces without knowing how they are actually supposed to come off. if i had some sort of basic guide as to what i need to do to get at the top shock mounts, that would sure be helpful. maybe there is another model BMW that is similar? also, my understanding is that the rear shock replacement can be done with the vehicle on the ground, correct? any tips/tricks/guidance anyone can give me before i dive into this project this weekend would be much appreciated! thanks!!

Ricky Bobby · #2 04-01-2014, 02:20 PM

Well the lower bolt is easy to access. I would imagine the rear shock mount top bolts are visible in the wheel well, no?

If not I would lift the spare tire area cargo cover on each side as they are probably there.

RajB · #3 04-01-2014, 02:33 PM

Haven't got a DIY but basically the top mount nuts are located under the plastic trim pieces at each side of the wheel well.

Lift the floor up and you will see 2 pieces of plastic either side that hold the jack handle etc. There are plastic nuts located in some of the holes in these. Once bits removed the pieces can be pulled out carefully.

You will then see a rubber boot which you just pull off which will reveal the fixing points for the top mounts. The bottom shock fixing bolt/nut is visible from underneath.

Greg C · #4 10-25-2014, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RajB

Haven't got a DIY but basically the top mount nuts are located under the plastic trim pieces at each side of the wheel well.

Lift the floor up and you will see 2 pieces of plastic either side that hold the jack handle etc. There are plastic nuts located in some of the holes in these. Once bits removed the pieces can be pulled out carefully.

You will then see a rubber boot which you just pull off which will reveal the fixing points for the top mounts. The bottom shock fixing bolt/nut is visible from underneath.

Thanks for this info! Was trying to see where the shock tower was. Replaced the left one, but the right is being stubborn. Need to get some PB Blaster, as I can't find my can!

upallnight · #5 10-25-2014, 07:13 PM

The top is probably similar to the airbags in that you would need to remove the two side trays in the trunk(?) to gain access to them.

Jack_James · #6 10-25-2014, 09:45 PM

what shocks did you install?

Greg C · #7 10-25-2014, 09:56 PM

I'm doing Blitsteins I got from Bavauto.

Jack_James · #8 10-26-2014, 02:24 PM

very nice! replacing the original shocks on the car? let us know how you like the Bilsteins.

btw, stock coil springs?

Ricky Bobby · #9 10-26-2014, 04:11 PM

For what its worth, Bilstein Tourings (not Yellow) are going to be a similar ride to stock. They are a good OEM replacement shock. Yellows are noticeably stiffer and only should be used on sport suspensions and those wanting a firmer ride from the shocks.

admranger · #10 10-28-2014, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

For what its worth, Bilstein Tourings (not Yellow) are going to be a similar ride to stock. They are a good OEM replacement shock. Yellows are noticeably stiffer and only should be used on sport suspensions and those wanting a firmer ride from the shocks.

Agreed. I have the yellows all around on my sport suspension laden '05 4.4i. They are great shocks, but the roads here in Vegas don't suffer from freeze/thaw issues and are generally pretty decent. I run 19's in the summer and 18's in the winter, no undue harshness w/Vegas roads. Potholes would be a bit, umm, abrupt though is my guess.