31 00... Information on replacing shock absorbers

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. 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.

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:

If one shock absorber is damaged, it is only necessary to replace both shock absorbers when the car has driven in excess of 50, 000 km.

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.

Information on replacing shock absorbers on E65/E66 models with EDC before production 03/07

Component version (build date) before 03/07 :

Both shock absorbers must be replaced.

Component version (build date) after 03/07:

The shock absorbers can be replaced again individually.

If in doubt, always replace both shock absorbers.