Suspension - Rattle From Rear Shock Absorbers

Group 33
Rear Axle

Bulletin Number
33 01 99

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1999
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Rattle From Rear Shock Absorbers

MODEL:
Z3 roadster and coupe

Situation:
Some customers may complain of a rattle from the back of the car when driving over rough roads.

Cause:
The mounting surface on the body is not smooth, or there is intermittent contact between the top of the shock and the mount. Cars produced prior to 10198 may also experience a slight flexing of the mounting surface on the body.

Correction:
The production process has been changed to ensure that the body mounting surface is smooth and the mounting surface has been stiffened beginning with 10/98 production.

Procedure:
In case of customer complaint, remove both rear shock assemblies.





Check the mounting surface on the body for punch burrs around the stud holes (1), and weld splatter on the contact surface (2).

Remove any imperfections and touch up with rustproofing primer.





Hold the shock rod (1) and remove the nut (2), plate (3), mount (4), and the gasket (5). Check the mount (4) for cracks or other signs of damage, and replace if necessary.





Clean off the top surface of the shock (1), peel off the protective film from a new sealing washer (2), and adhere it to the shock, taking care to ensure that it is centered on the shock.





Clean the underside of the cupped plate (1), peel off the protective film from a new sealing washer (2), and adhere it to the plate, taking care to ensure that it is centered.





Reinstall mount (4), plate (3) with sealing washer, and a new nut (2), and tighten to 14 Nm. Place a new gasket (5) on the assembly, and reattach to body mount only.





If production date of car is prior to 10/98, install reinforcement plate (1) on top of body, with chamfered face down against body. Note: Do not install the reinforcement plate on cars produced 10/98 and later as it will cause a noise.

With the lower end of the shock still disconnected, install two new nuts and tighten to 24 Nm.

Connect lower end of shock and tighten to 77 Nm.

Parts Information:





This repair requires the parts as shown.

Warranty Information:

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect Code: 33 52 90 39 CO





Labor Allowance: Choose one operation as appropriate from the following:





Parts Allowance: