Change Car Shock Absorbers BMW 3-Series

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 2h30–8h00 ~250–800£
Estimated time 2h30–8h00
Estimated labour cost ~250–800£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
3-Series 1982-1995 15
  • 316 Petrol (M10B18)
  • 316i Petrol (M10B18)
  • 316i Petrol (M40B16)
  • 318i Petrol (M10B18)
  • 318i Petrol (M40B18)
  • 318is Petrol (M42B18)
  • 320i Petrol (M20B20)
  • 320i Petrol (M20B20)
  • 320is Petrol (S14B20)
  • 323i Petrol (M20B23)
  • 323i Petrol (M20B23)
  • 325e Petrol (M20B27)
  • 325i, -ix Petrol (M20B25)
  • M3 Petrol (S14B23)
  • M3 Petrol (S14B23)
3-Series 1990-2000 14
  • 316i (73/75 kW) Petrol (M40B16)
  • 316i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B16)
  • 318i (83/85 kW) Petrol (M40B18)
  • 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B18)
  • 318is Petrol (M42B18)
  • 318is, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M44B19)
  • 320i Petrol (M50B20)
  • 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20)
  • 323i Petrol (M52B25)
  • 323ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B25TU)
  • 325i Petrol (M50B25)
  • 328i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B28)
  • M3 GT Petrol (S50B30)
  • M3 Petrol (S50B30)
3-Series 1998-2007 26
  • 316 Ci Petrol (M43B16TU)
  • 316i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B19TU)
  • 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N40B16)
  • 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N45B16)
  • 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N42B18A)
  • 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B18A)
  • 316ti Petrol (N40B16)
  • 318 Ci Petrol (N46B20)
  • 318d Diesel (M47D20)
  • 318d, -td Diesel (M47D20TU)
  • 318i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B19TU)
  • 318i, -ti, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N42B20)
  • 318i, -ti, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20)
  • 320d Diesel (M47D20)
  • 320d, -Cd Diesel (M47D20TU)
  • 320d, -td, -Cd Diesel (M47D20TU)
  • 320i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20TU)
  • 320i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M54B22)
  • 323i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B25TU)
  • 325i, -xi, -ti, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M54B25)
  • 328i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B28TU)
  • 330d, -xd Diesel (M57D30)
  • 330d, -xd, -Cd Diesel (M57D30TU)
  • 330i, -xi, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M54B30)
  • M3 CSL Petrol (S54B32)
  • M3, -LPG LPG,Petrol (S54B32)
3-Series 2005-2013 44
  • 316d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 316i Petrol (N43B16A)
  • 316i Petrol (N45B16A)
  • 318d Diesel (M47D20TU2uL)
  • 318d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 318d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 318i Petrol (N43B20A)
  • 318i Petrol (N43B20A)
  • 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B)
  • 320d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL)
  • 320d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 320d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 320d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320d, -Xd Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320d, -Xd M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320i Petrol (N43B20A)
  • 320i Petrol (N46B20B)
  • 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N43B20A)
  • 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B)
  • 320Si, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N45B20A)
  • 323i Petrol (N52B25A)
  • 323i Petrol (N52B25A)
  • 323i Petrol (N52B25A)
  • 325d Diesel (M57D30T2)
  • 325d Diesel (N57D30A)
  • 325i Petrol (N53B30A)
  • 325i, -Xi Petrol (N52B25A)
  • 325i, -Xi Petrol (N53B30A)
  • 325i, -Xi, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N52B25A)
  • 328i, -Xi Petrol (N51B30A)
  • 330d Diesel (M57D30T2)
  • 330d, -xd Diesel (M57D30T2)
  • 330d, -xd Diesel (N57D30A)
  • 330i, -Xi Petrol (N52B30A)
  • 330i, -Xi Petrol (N52B30A)
  • 330i, -Xi Petrol (N53B30A)
  • 335d Diesel (M57D30T2)
  • 335d Diesel (M57D30T2)
  • 335i, -Xi Petrol (N54B30A)
  • 335i, -Xi Petrol (N55B30A)
  • 335is Petrol (N54B30A)
  • M3 GTS/CRT Petrol (S65B44A)
  • M3 Petrol (S65B40A)
3-Series 2011-2020 35
  • 316d Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 316d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 316i Petrol (N13B16A)
  • 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 318d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 318i Petrol (B38B15A)
  • 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 320d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 320d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 320i EfficientDynamics, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N13B16A)
  • 320i Petrol (B48B20A)
  • 320i, -xDrive Petrol (B48B20A)
  • 320i, -xDrive, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N20B20B)
  • 325d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 325d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 325d Diesel (N47D20D)
  • 328i Petrol (N26B20A)
  • 328i, -xDrive Petrol (N20B20A)
  • 330d, -xDrive Diesel (N57D30A)
  • 330d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (N57D30A)
  • 330e PHEV Electricity,Petrol (B48B20A+GC1)
  • 330i, -xDrive Petrol (B48B20B)
  • 335d xDrive Diesel (N57D30B)
  • 335i, -xDrive M Performance Petrol (N55B30A)
  • 335i, -xDrive M Performance Petrol (N55B30A)
  • 335i, -xDrive Petrol (N55B30A)
  • 340i, -xDrive M Performance Petrol (B58B30A)
  • 340i, -xDrive Petrol (B58B30A)
  • Active Hybrid 3 Electricity,Petrol (N55B30A)
  • M3 Petrol (S55B30A)
  • M3 Petrol (S55B30A)
3-Series 2019-2025 12
  • 316d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 318d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 318i Petrol (B48B20A)
  • 320d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 320i Petrol (B48B16A)
  • 320i, -xDrive Petrol (B48B20A)
  • 320i, -xDrive Petrol (B48B20B)
  • 330d, -xDrive Diesel (B57D30A)
  • 330e, -xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B48B20B+GC1)
  • 330i, -xDrive Petrol (B48B20B)
  • M340d mHev xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B57D30B+JA1)
  • M340i, -xDrive Petrol (B58B30B)
Renew both front shock absorbers 2h30–8h00
Renew both rear shock absorbers 1h00–2h30
Renew both front shock absorbers 4WD 2h30–6h00
Renew both front shock absorbers Rear-wheel drive 3h00–5h00
Renew both rear shock absorbers (Convertible, Saloon) 1h30
Renew both rear shock absorbers Hatchback, 3 doors 2h00
Renew both rear shock absorbers Coupe 2h00
Renew both rear shock absorbers Standard suspension 2h00
Renew both rear shock absorbers Suspension with adaptive damping system 2h00

What is the function of BMW 3-Series shock absorbers?

The shock absorber controls the relative movement between the wheel and the vehicle body. This control is essential for good road holding, preventing loss of grip between the tyres and the road surface, and ensuring passenger comfort.

When should you change the BMW 3-Series shock absorbers?

Shock absorber wear is gradual. Warning symptoms include: vehicle sensitive to crosswinds, increased braking distance, difficulty maintaining trajectory in curves, vehicle bouncing excessively over bumps, uneven tyre wear. Replace between 80,000 and 150,000 km. Always replace in pairs.

Is it difficult to change BMW 3-Series shock absorbers?

Difficulty level 2/5: technically easy but requires specific tools (spring compressors for McPherson struts, torque wrench). A wheel alignment is recommended after the work.

View all compatible products →
View your 3-Series maintenance plan (keep the 3-Series token) →

7 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
3-Series 1975-1983 1975-1983 315 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 320 Petrol (M10B20), 320 Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M10B20) Petrol
3-Series 1982-1995 1982-1995 316 Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M40B16), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M40B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320is Petrol (S14B20), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 325e Petrol (M20B27), 325i, -ix Petr… Petrol
3-Series 1990-2000 1990-2000 316g (65/75 kW) CNG,Petrol (M43B16), 316i (73/75 kW) Petrol (M40B16), 316i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B16), 318i (83/85 kW) Petrol (M40B18), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 318is, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M44B19), 320i Petrol (M50B20), 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20), 32… CNG, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 1998-2007 1998-2007 316 Ci Petrol (M43B16TU), 316i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B19TU), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N40B16), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N45B16), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N42B18A), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B18A), 316ti Petrol (N40B16), 318 Ci Petrol (N46B20), 318d Diesel (M47D20), 318d,… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2005-2013 2005-2013 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N43B16A), 316i Petrol (N45B16A), 318d Diesel (M47D20TU2uL), 318d Diesel (N47D20A), 318d Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 320d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL), 320d Diesel (N47D20A), 320d Die… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2011-2020 2011-2020 316d Diesel (B47D20A), 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N13B16A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (B38B15A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B47D20A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D20C), 320d, -xD… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 316d Diesel (B47D20B), 316d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318d Diesel (B47D20B), 318d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318i Petrol (B48B20A), 320d mHev, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 320d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20B), 320e, -xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B48B20… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h30–7h00
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 4h00–11h00
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h30–17h00
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 0h45–12h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Glow Plugs

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45–7h00
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h30–10h00
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h45–2h30
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–4h00
Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 3h30–4h00
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 2h30–31h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 0h30–9h00
View the service schedule for your 3-Series →