BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: 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.
Spring strut
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Removing and installing complete left or right spring strut shock absorber
Special tools required:
31 2 230
Installation note:
1. All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
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Other materials:
BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual > Body repair instructions: Straightening steel components on the outer skin
1.0 Recommended tools.
Only use those tools designed for steel repairs.
2.0 Straightening outer skin.
"Cold" straightening: Press dents out from their center and smooth in an inwards direction with
gentle taps.
In the case of small, soft dents (hail and parking damage), this is also possib ...