Rear Shocks

Replacing the rear shocks on your e46 is fairly easy and can be achieved with a simple set of hand tools. You will need a ratchet with a 13 and 18mm sockets. You will need the new shocks with new top mounts sachs or bilsteins will work. Start by taking the interior carpet in the trunk out, relieving the top mounts. Jack up the car and put it on stands. First take the two nuts off of the top of the mounts inside the trunk. The shock and mount should fall through especially if they are old and worn. Now under the car locate where the bottom of the shock mounts to and remove the 18mm bolt. The shock should now be free and you can remove it from the car. The new shocks will most likely come without the mounts attached, so you will need the screw the new mounts on the top. Loosely attach the the bottom of the shock while positioning the top in position. Now slowly lower the car to bring the top mount into position and when it is through and in place tighten the nuts and lower it fully. Once the top is secure tighten the bottom mount on the ground. Do this to both sides, shocks should be replaced as a set. Once everything is tight you can reassemble the trunk interior and drive.