DIY difficulty level to replace rear shocks.

Hi everyone, my 2000 328Ci is in need of a new pair of shocks in the back. I would prefer to do the work myself if possible to save myself the money and gain the knowledge. I was wondering what the difficulty level is of this project is and if its somthing I can do or somthing better left to a professional. I'm no mechanical genius but I can figure most things out if pointed in the right direction. Also, any special tools needes or other parts that should be replaced at the same time? Thanks guys

no special tools, very easy

Anyone else? Further details would be appreciated

2 bolts in the trunk one on the lower shock mount (for each side).

Extremely easy.

- Remove the two nuts for the shock mount
- Remove the main bolt (I don't remember exactly) on top of the shock
- Remove the bolt at the bottom
- Pop it out and reverse order

1-10
.5/10

How about compression before tightening the last bolts? Would I tighten one end first and lower the car off the jack before tightening the others?

You can compress the shock with a jack to line up perfectly. Attach the top first.
Or you can instal the bottom first then cut the packaging line and it'll decompress itself.
It's self explanatory and very easy.

You'll be fine, don't worry

Appreciate the help guys

the hardest part would be taking out the trunk liner and putting it back in. taking out the shock itself is only 3 bolts total.
as long as you can jack up the car and have a socket wrench set handy, you're golden.

Should be really straight forward!

What about the shock mounts? Is it always a good idea to replace those as well or are they replaced only if they look like they are squashed flat?

It's really easy. I'm not technically inclined at all and can probably do it in sub 1 hour.

Very easy job. 1 out of a 10.

Replace your shock mounts at the same time.

You will need to cut the sound deadening in order to get to the shock mount, and the mount bolts.

Make sure you do not let the wheel hub hang without support under it. It can break the shock mount if it drops.

SUPER easy on a coupe or sedan. DiY.

Now on a touring....that is a little more time consuming.

Do it! You will be happy with the money you saved and what you learned about your car.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Solidjake

Extremely easy.

- Remove the two nuts for the shock mount
- Remove the main bolt (I don't remember exactly) on top of the shock
- Remove the bolt at the bottom
- Pop it out and reverse order

you don't take the shock nut off. You remove the 2 nuts for the shock mount and the lower bolt and then pull the shock out .

you remove the shock from the shock mount outside the car. It requires you to hold the shock stem with a wrench, them you turn the nut on top to remove the shock from the mount .