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View Full Version : Changing RSM's and rear Shocks on my e36 M3

RedmondRocket
10-16-2003, 10:11 AM
Location: Redmond

Changing RSM's and Shocks on my e36 M3
Any suggestions for nifty picture heavy "how to" guides ????

I've changed shocks years ago on one of my Fords so I'm hoping this will be as easy....I've ordered rear shocks (oem replacement Boge shox ) and Ground Control RSM's....I have one "how to" which says first take out the rear deck stereo speakers ????then remove the old rear shocks.....

I'm only doing the rear shox to eliminate a rubbing/creaking sound audible at low speeds coming from the back of the car (I assumed this was the RSM's going bad, a common problem with M3's I believe).....I'll wait to replace the front struts...or should they all be replaced at the same time ???
TD
10-16-2003, 10:13 AM
It's very easy.

I don't have the time to type up a play by play right now, but if no one else has by tomorrow, I'll do so.
zach
10-16-2003, 10:41 AM
I'll be doing the same thing in a few weeks I think. I have a feeling my RSMs are shot.
SpaceMonk
10-16-2003, 10:43 AM
I'll be doing the same thing in a few weeks I think. I have a feeling my RSMs are shot.
It'll be a piece of cake. Don't forget I'm also willing to help out with all the Inspection II stuff if you decide to DIY.
zach
10-16-2003, 10:52 AM
I'll be doing the same thing in a few weeks I think. I have a feeling my RSMs are shot.
It'll be a piece of cake. Don't forget I'm also willing to help out with all the Inspection II stuff if you decide to DIY.

THANKS :)

I actually found out that Inspection II can wait for 80k miles. Whew. I still have to get my crap in order wrt the rear shocks ands stuff. Baseball and girlfriend stuff has been taking a lot of my time.
SpaceMonk
10-16-2003, 11:06 AM
THANKS :)

I actually found out that Inspection II can wait for 80k miles. Whew. I still have to get my crap in order wrt the rear shocks ands stuff. Baseball and girlfriend stuff has been taking a lot of my time.
Just let me know when. :D

Are you coming to the last autocross on Saturday?
zach
10-16-2003, 11:11 AM
Are you coming to the last autocross on Saturday?

I don't know. GF has some race she is running in. :(

What time is the autox?

Also, that's the first game of the world series.
SpaceMonk
10-16-2003, 11:13 AM
Are you coming to the last autocross on Saturday?

I don't know. GF has some race she is running in. :(

What time is the autox?

Also, that's the first game of the world series.
WS doesn't start until 8pm.

We show up around 7am for the autocross. But we usually don't get started until around 9-10am. And we're usually there until 4 or 5pm.
You could always just show up for an hour or two so you can at least get a couple rides.
The HACK
10-16-2003, 12:03 PM
The hardest part will be disassembling the rear deck on the E36, no?

On the E30 and E46, the shock towers are in plain sight underneath the trunk upholstery panels.
TD
10-16-2003, 12:06 PM
The hardest part will be disassembling the rear deck on the E36, no?

On the E30 and E46, the shock towers are in plain sight underneath the trunk upholstery panels.

You don't need to do that. Don't scare him.

Steps:

Pull rear speakers
Remove side trunk lining pieces
Bingo - You have access to teh top of the mounts.
Put rear of car on jackstands - remove wheels
Undo bolts at RSM and at lower point on shock
Remove shocks
Assemble new shocks and new RSMs as old were assembled
Installation is reverse of removal
reaassemble trunk and speakers
Nick M3
10-16-2003, 12:09 PM
Interesting tidbit:

You can change rear shocks with the car on ramps. (And YES, I've done it!)
dredmo
10-16-2003, 12:11 PM
RR if you feel up to it, you can sort of take pics and document the process into a DIY file similar to Rgal's brake job.

Eventually I will categorize and databas any entries.

That's only if you feel up to it. :smile:
RedmondRocket
10-16-2003, 03:25 PM
Based on Hack's encouragement above and the one FYI writeup I've found (which is pretty close in method to Hack's comments ) I'll give it a try as soon as my shox come in...the Ground control RSM's are here already.....
TD
10-16-2003, 03:28 PM
Based on Hack's encouragement above and the one FYI writeup I've found (which is pretty close in method to Hack's comments ) I'll give it a try as soon as my shox come in...the Ground control RSM's are here already.....

Hack or Holden? :cry:
RedmondRocket
10-16-2003, 03:35 PM
Holden ... My BAD!
Roadstergal
10-16-2003, 03:38 PM
Yes, you're beHolden to him, now. ;)

Marty, maybe have a tech day? :D I'd be willing to do the crawling around in your trunk to get at the mount tops...
RedmondRocket
10-16-2003, 04:31 PM
As you suggest I think this will require someone as flexible and limber as yourself to climb in the trunk and get at the top shock mount.....

Nice to see so familiar handles many here already......
ARCHER
10-17-2003, 05:44 PM
http://www.brazeauracing.com/shockmounts.htm