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Subject: Changing out rear shock on 1988 BMW 325i Convertible Author: hgjacobsen as IBHenry : member since May, 2007 : 5312 posts Posted on: 2008-05-10 21:45:05

Ok well this was super easy, providing that you have some basic tools. You will need:
a 17mm wrench to hold the top nut still while you use 1/4" (yes standard) small wrench to turn the shaft.
a 19 mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower bolt.

First pop the convertible top and remove the rectangular shock cover




I suggest you remove the top nut first. If you can get an air hammer on it, go for it! I did and all it did was spin....


Here's what I did, place the 17mm wrench inside the body, using the closed end on the nut. Place the 1/4" wrench on the square end of the shocj shaft and turn clockwise, as this will remove the nut. In the pic, you can see that I used an allen through the closed end of the 1/4" for ease of turning.


Remove the lower bolt with a 19mm socket and ratchet.


Installation is Reverse of removal (I was able to use my airgun to tighten the nut). Don't forget to use the new hardware. In my case I used Monroe shocks's and 1 washer had to much of a cup in it, so I reused the old top cup as the new bottom cup. Small note: replacement nut was a 15mm.



I bought my Monroe (I think they are a better shock) at Autopartswarehouse.com on sale for $18 plus shipping, but AutoZone (carries Gabriel) has it in stock for $21.99 each.

"No matter where you go, there you are."
2001 BMW 740iL

Mods: New cluster from BMWNA!, Quad taillights, Cross drilled rotors and ceramic pads all the way around, new Traction struts & Control arms=No shimmy! Angel Eyes, done!

• Changing out rear shock on 1988 BMW 325i Convertible (pic) (url) - IBHenry 2008-05-10 21:45:05 (93 views)
  • Suggestion (url) - Keith 2008-05-11 13:56:05 (55 views)
    • Thanks Keith, but I looked at it and the rubber seemed pretty good still! - IBHenry 2008-05-12 23:20:40 (34 views)
    • I might have used Bilstein Touring for a few more bucks - mtechnik3 2008-05-12 19:38:04 (35 views)