Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 130 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 123 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 130 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118 i, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 120 d, BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for 1 Hatchback (E81) and other BMW models
How to change Suspension arm on BMW E81 118d 2.0 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension arm
How to change Link Set, wheel suspension on BMW E81 118d 2.0 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Link Set, wheel suspension
How to change Rod / Strut, wheel suspension on BMW E81 118d 2.0 – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Rod / Strut, wheel suspension
Tools
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW 1 (E81). Tools you need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #21
Torx bit T30
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Hammer
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW 1 (E81). AUTODOC recommends:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 1 (E81) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E81 2006 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 118d 2.0 2007 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E81 120 d 2008 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 1 (E81)
  4. Step 5
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 116 i 2009 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 1 SERIES 118i 2.0 2010 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Control Arm on BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 2011: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the ball joint of the front control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21. Use Torx T30. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 8
    Clean the fasteners connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW E81 116i 2.0 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the rear fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #18 (2 pieces).
  8. Step 10
    Remove the rear fastener of the control arm. Use a hammer.
    Step 11
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 1 SERIES 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Disconnect the lower arm from the steering knuckle. Use a hammer.
  9. Step 12
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW E81 2008 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the arm.
  10. Step 13
    BMW 1 SERIES 118d 2.0 Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 14
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW E81 2010 118d 2.0 by yourself
    Install a new arm.
    Replacement: front lower arm – BMW 1 (E81). Professionals recommend:
    During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
  12. Step 15
    Connect the lower arm to the steering knuckle.
    Step 16
    1 Hatchback (E81) 118i 2.0 2011 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Screw in the fastener connecting the ball joint of the front control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 165 Nm torque.
  13. Step 17
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) 2006 - tips and tricks
    Treat the fasteners of the ball joint. Use copper grease.
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DIY BMW 1 Hatchback (E81) Control Arm replacement - online guide
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