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
...
Removing and installing complete left or right spring strut shock absorber
Special tools required:
31 2 230
Installation note:
All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
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Other materials:
BMW X3 Owners Manual > Storage compartments: Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-specific
and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The ...