33 00... Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Facts:

When a shock absorber is faulty on one side (leaking, noises, limit values exceeded on the shock tester), often both shock absorbers on the axle in question are replaced.

E32, E34, E38, E39: In the case of rear spring struts with ride-height control, there is always a slight oil spillage on the piston rod. These spring struts are permitted to be wet with oil over a maximum of half the shock absorber length on the outer tube, i.e. they are permitted to "sweat".

Consequence:

This is not necessary for technical reasons and causes the manufacturer not to recognize the unnecessarily removed shock absorbers as damaged parts. Unnecessarily high costs for the customer can be avoided by replacing the shock absorber on one side only.

Procedure:

Shock absorbers may be replaced on one side only until they have completed 50 000 km service.

Exception: On all M-models, when a limit value is exceeded on one side, it is still necessary always to replace both shock absorbers on the relevant axle.