How to Replace the Rear Shocks on a BMW E90 (325i, 328i, 335i & More)

► If your suspension is feeling "bouncy" or "loose" it can likely be attributed to blown or worn shock absorbers. The purpose of shock absorbers is to dampen the recoil of the coil spring as your travel over dips and bumps in the road. Other symptoms of a blown shock are noise over bumps, leaks, poor handling and a harsh ride. In this video Gareth Foley takes you through the process of replacing the rear struts on your BMW E90 chassis.

This Part Fits the Following Vehicles:
BMW 330i
2006 BMW 330i

BMW 325i
2006 BMW 325i

BMW 325xi
2006 BMW 325xi

BMW 330xi
2006 BMW 330xi

BMW 328i
2007 BMW 328i
2007 BMW 328i
2007 BMW 328i
2007 BMW 328i
2008 BMW 328i
2008 BMW 328i
2008 BMW 328i
2009 BMW 328i
2009 BMW 328i
2010 BMW 328i
2010 BMW 328i

BMW 328xi
2007 BMW 328xi
2007 BMW 328xi
2008 BMW 328xi
2008 BMW 328xi

BMW 335i
2007 BMW 335i
2007 BMW 335i
2008 BMW 335i
2008 BMW 335i
2009 BMW 335i
2010 BMW 335i

BMW 335xi
2007 BMW 335xi
2008 BMW 335xi

BMW 328i xDrive
2009 BMW 328i xDrive
2009 BMW 328i xDrive
2010 BMW 328i xDrive
2010 BMW 328i xDrive

BMW 335i xDrive
2009 BMW 335i xDrive
2010 BMW 335i xDrive

Get free parts from FCP Euro:

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[opmike]

Amazing how hard it is to find a simple, no nonsense video. Good work.

[Himoutdoors]

Gareth was kind. He didn't need to take out all of that trim in the boot, as the car had split folding seats, so he just needed to access from the rear door and peel back the trim panel to access to top mount. 

But Gareth knew that split rear seats are a rare option in E90 BMW land, so he showed the rest of us plebs with basic spec cars how we could do the job. 

Thanks Gareth, you're a legend.

[GUSHR]

Great video. My rear shocks just went recently and my local dealer is asking 1700 to replace both, this video just saved me.

[DPCPhotog]

A month after I bought my 2007 328xi wagon, the water pump died while I was driving. Being that it was a "BMW", I wasn't even thinking about attempting to fix it myself. I ended up spending $1500 to get that done. A couple of months ago my rear driver's side rotor and pad were completely grinded down to metal. Since I've replaced rotors/pads and did a brake fluid flush before, I decided to look up DIYs on YouTube. I found an FCP Euro video and sure enough, same procedure (cars are not so different after all). Last month, the starter died. Replacing the brakes myself gave me the confidence to replace the starter. I looked it up on YouTube, and doing it myself saved me hundreds! Now, I found both rear shocks are blown. After watching this video, I couldn't believe how easy it is to replace. So, moral of the story: Don't ever spend money on having a shop do it until you look it up on YouTube. Chances are someone else has done it and has a great DIY video. On a side note, I don't know how much longer I'll keep this BMW. It's been two years of ownership, and I've had more issues with it than any car I've owned.

[jeffstensland]

AMAZINGLY easy install. Thank you, Gareth! I noticed a rattle in the rear today on my E93, bounced both sides and found my right shock failed. I'll be doing this the day your parts come in this week.

[markjames]

I'm just an 57 year old who really appreciate you guy's keeping me up to speed 😎

[starkyslp]

Thanks for this video. Just got rear shocks and mount kit from you guys, so great to have a simple video to follow! $260 all in is probably a small fraction of what the dealer would charge.

[Newnykarrotz]

Thank you! Took me 30 mins at most for both sides after watching your video! Needed a refresher! I appreciate the upload! Be safe and much respect!

[clutchy]

super helpful; just finished the rears today. Did a full refresh on both shocks (kit). I can't believe how big of a difference it makes. My system was completely blown and some parts were rusted through.

[teamcoupe]

Watched this vid a while back and ordered the parts online when I was researching the level of difficulty. Parts came in a couple days ago and I tuned back in to this video for a refresher. Didn’t realize this video was created by the same place I bought the shocks. Win/Win. Installing today. I just hope getting the ride height correct in the rear isn’t too tricky.

[Running_To_Something]

Thanks for the awesome video.  Shock was way past blown.  When I removed it, fluid poured out of the shock.  This video helped me replace the bad side.  Will do the other side in a few days.

[JK-cqnc]

I watched to video on how to install new shock grommets. My old ones were completely disintegrated due to florida heat and UV light. I've ordered the parts from fcp euro, as always great customer service.

[ADudeNamedStacie]

Amazing video, amazing parts! You just saved me over $800 my friend.

[simengineering]

you should have way more views man, Excellent Job!

[CrankshaftsMotors]

Thanks, doing this today on my 2007 323i. Always helpful videos from FCPEuro

[timprussell]

Good video, in my case I did need to replace the lower mounts living in the rust belt in Chicago. Ordered new shocks and all new hardware from FCP. Caution when you go to replace those lower mounts. I was amazed that soaking with PB blaster and then Liquid Wrench 3 of the 4 E12 bolts came right out. Then the 4th stripped. Had to use my Dremel to cut and grind the head off, thank goodness they are aluminum. I left the shock attached to the mount and when it was almost through to the lower arm a good yank caused it to fail. Added a couple hours to the job but those mounts were shot and rust expanded. Barely got them out of the lower arm.

[anthonytube]

Simple and perfectly filmed. Thanks mate :-)

[clancyethans]

you are unbeleivable!...this gave me the confidence to do it and it was a snap and saved me a grand as well! how much more dificult are ball joints?

[darrengreen]

I am by no means a mechanic . . that said; this video gave me the confidence to do the job myself and in doing so I say nearly £200.Note for the DIY mechanic; remember to use precaution to ensure your car stays up when the wheel is off, get an axle underneath too. Remember safety 1st!   That said it is an easy job, took me 1 hour per side.

[rvbuilder]

Very useful vid, right up to reinstalling the trunk trim. That ain't anything like real, for an '08 328i. Only way to reinstall that side trim is to remove the seat back; the side trim actually wraps around the front of the seat back trim. No way to get it back in there, with the multiple angles formed into the trim and the twists/bumps in the trunk.