BMW X5: Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers
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-GmbH models, when a limit value is exceeded on one side, it
is still necessary always to
replace both shock absorbers on the relevant axle.
READ NEXT:
NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock
absorbers.
Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:
IMPORTANT: Handle the spring strut with care so as to avoid damaging
the control unit
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Remove rear shock absorber.
Unscrew nut (1).
Remove joint disc (2), support bearing upper section (3) and support bearing
flange (4).
Installation:
Insert support bea
MEASURING RIDE-LEVEL HEIGHT OF VEHICLE
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Move vehicle into normal position.
Determine actual ride height (A) - to do so, attach tape measure to rim
flange (2) at bottom
SEE MORE:
Special tools required:
52 0 050.
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Remove front seat.
Remove rear panel on front seat backrest.
Remove inner cover on front seat.
WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with OC3 mat) only:
To avoid damaging the OC3 mat, it is essential to carry out the following
Principle
The Automatic Parking Assistant supports the
driver in the following situations:
When parking parallel to the road, parallel
parking.
When parking in reverse perpendicular to the
road, perpendicular parking. The system orients
itself with the middle of the parking
space.
Depending