BMW 7 Series: Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers
Situation
When a shock absorber is faulty on one side (leaking, noises, etc.), often both shock absorbers on the axle in question are replaced.
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-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.
REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT (REAR) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE
IMPORTANT: Driving without the suspension cross-brace is not permitted. (risk of damage to the body).
Release expanding rivets (1) and remove cover (2).
Installation note:
Replace damaged expanding rivets.
Holders (3) must snap into place in suspension cross-brace when cover (2) is installed.
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Fig. 55: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Expanding Rivets, Cover And
Holders (51 71 345)
Release screw (1).
Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ.
Remove suspension cross-brace (2).
Installation note: Make sure suspension cross-brace (2) is in correct installation position.
Replace screws (1).
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Fig. 56: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace With Screws (51 71 345)
REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT (REAR) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE
IMPORTANT: Driving without the suspension cross-brace is not permitted. (risk of damage to the body).
Release expanding rivets (1) and remove cover (2).
Installation note: Replace damaged expanding rivets.
Holder of cover (2) must snap into place in suspension cross-brace during installation.
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Fig. 57: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Expanding Rivets, Cover And
Holders (51 71 346)
Release screw (1).
Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ.
Remove suspension cross-brace (2).
Installation note: Make sure suspension cross-brace (2) is in correct installation position.
Replace screw (1).
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Fig. 58: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace With Screws (51 71 346)
REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT
Necessary preliminary work
- Remove FRONT WHEEL.
- Remove upper wishbone from swivel bearing.
- Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT.
IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Secure spring strut against falling out.
Release screws (1).
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Fig. 59: Identifying Screws
Installation note: Turn support bearing in direction of travel up to stop in clockwise direction and tighten.
Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.
Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ.
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Fig. 60: Turning Support Bearing
Disconnect plug connection (1).
Disconnect feed line (2) from mounting.
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Fig. 61: Identifying Plug Connection And Feed Line
Release nut (1) and remove screw.
Release spring strut from wishbone (2).
Installation note: Replace self-locking nut.
F03: Replace screw and nut.
Note direction of insertion of screw.
Adhere to the assembly sequence.
Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ.
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Fig. 62: Identifying Wishbone With Nut
Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.
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Fig. 63: Identifying Spring Strut
READ NEXT:
Replacing Front Left Or Right Coil Spring
Notes
IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in
the event of
corrosion breakage!
The coil spring is allocated in the Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) under
the menu
Stabilizer Bar
REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK (STABILIZER
LINK) FOR LEFT/RIGHT STABILIZER
IMPORTANT: Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for raising the vehicle
Unscrew nuts (1).
Remove anti-roll bar
Output Shaft
NOTES ON REMOVING AND INSTALLING LOW PROFILE BAND CLAMPS
Notes
IMPORTANT: During removal Low Profile band clamp (dotted line) is
overstretched and must
not be reused!
Fig. 82: Identifying Low Profil
SEE MORE:
Ignition Wires, Spark Plugs
REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS (N54, N63, N74)
Necessary preliminary tasks
Switch off ignition.
Remove IGNITION COILS.
IMPORTANT: Wear safety goggles.
Oil and dirt particles may get into your eyes!
Clean spark plug slot with compressed air.
Unscrew spark plugs with special tool 12 1 220 and extensi
Removing And Installing/Replacing Steering Column
IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the coil spring cassette, it is necessary to
remove the
steering wheel because of the absence of a steering column lock!
Necessary preliminary tasks
Move steering column into "extended" position.
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD.
Remove steering wheel.
Remove steerin
