33 00... Information on replacing shock absorbers

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Situation

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: With the rear spring struts with self-levelling suspension, a slight oil leak usually exists at 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".

Effect

This is not necessary for technical reasons and causes the manufacturer not to recognize the unnecessarily removed shock absorbers as defective 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 80 000 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.