Replacing Rear Shocks on a BMW E46 Convertible

Hi everyone. In this video I am removing the old original shock absorbers (or dampers) and installing new ones on my 2000 BMW E46 covertible.
Tools required:
18mm socket with breaker bar
13mm socket
16mm wrench
6mm wrench
Shock absorber shaft tool or adjustable
Disclaimer:
This video was created for entertainment purposes.
I am not a licensed mechanic.
I am not responsible for ANY repairs or projects you may choose to undertake on any vehicle.
Please use all appropriate safety precautions and suitable PPE when working on your vehicle.
If in ANY doubt please take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic or automotive professional for repairs.
I receive no compensation from companies who’s products I show or choose to use on my videos.

[@darkoz1692]

Thanks for the helpful video
just a heads up, no need to remove the wheels to change the rear shocks, makes the job quicker.

[@boatinglife1]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback.

[@stepawa]

but it gives more room to maneuver when working on jacks :)

[@taylorn8432]

Dang. My convertible top is locked shut. (Driver side lock is locked shut/broken.) Its stuck down I can't lift my rear to get to those bolt for my struts. So frustrating.

[@boatinglife1]

Did you try manually cranking the roof open? Maybe would release the lock?

[@LUVKUZIXO]

Any luck? Same

[@cassidylong7872]

I never comment but I just had to share that this is hands down the BEST video guide for shocks. Straight to the point, very easy to follow, and all around was perfect. thank you so very much.

[@boatinglife1]

Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad the video was helpful. Good luck with your BMW.

[@hakan8997]

Lucky me finding this today! Tomorow i will get my new shocks and guide support. I just took a deep dive in my trunk and was wondering where to start. But now i know. Anyhow now is my trunk nice and clean and 3-5 years of junk and dog candy is gone. So now i can put my pile of good things to have in the trunk back and open up for the top to come down. I havent used that "box" since i bought the car 9 years ago. 03 330i. 200 000 km (124274 miles )and the right damper went from healty to bad into a bicycle pump in just 5 trips to work. At first when driving it was hard to tell wich one where bad, but soon it was no problem to tell. Thank you Glen, you saved me som hours of unnecessary work. I thought the mount was going bo be more in the back closer to the battery. Now i know what those white plastic covers hide. They where not there for letting water drain.
I just went out to check if the top would open. And it did even after the safety swich has been asleap for a long time. I have no hard top, and i just drive in the summer and don´t need extra space in the trunk.
I hope some noice will be gone from the rear of the car, with new guide supports. Then its just the front that squeeks sometimes. silicone spray in the swaybar mount made some difference for some days, but something else is going on. But iam working on it.

[@boatinglife1]

Thank you for the comments. Good luck with your shock replacement.
Cheers

[@andrewachholz7922]

Very nice presentation, Glen. All the best with your beautiful Convertible.

[@boatinglife1]

Thank you for your comments. Cheers

[@tomrusson6126]

Really helpful video Glen, thanks from England!

[@boatinglife1]

Cheers for that. Glad it was helpful.

[@franco59able]

Great video!

[@boatinglife1]

Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
Cheers

[@trippie_fabio3181]

Is it 100% necessary to have the roof dropped?

[@boatinglife1]

You have to have the cover open and the back of the convertible top lifted up to give access.

[@marknoir]

Thank you!

[@boatinglife1]

You’re welcome. Glad the video was helpful