Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front suspension arm / front control arm on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models
Alternative products
How to change Suspension arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Suspension arm
Tools
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E46 convertible. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #19
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Ball joint puller
3-Arm Gear Puller
Phillips screwdriver
Crow bar
Rubber mallet
Vice
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E46 convertible. Professionals recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
  • Replacement of the independent suspension lower arm in some cars requires a part of the outlet piping of the additional heater to be removed.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E46 convertible. Recommended sequence of steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci 2001 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Ci 2.2 2002 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci 2.0 2003 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E46 convertible
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 323Ci 2.5 2004 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the fasteners of the lower sound insulation. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Cd 2.0 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the lower sound insulation.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the lower sound insulation.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 3 SERIES 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Treat all joints of the arm. Use WD-40 spray.
    Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
    After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.Wear protective goggles.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the fastener connecting the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 3 SERIES 330Cd 3.0 Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Detach the fastener connecting the suspension level sensor to the suspension control arm. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2002 330Ci by yourself
    Unscrew the arm fastening from the subframe. Use a combination spanner #21.
  12. Step 12
    3 Convertible (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2003 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the rear arm fastening. Use a drive socket #18. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the ball joint fastening to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005 323Ci 2.5 Control Arm
    Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci 2006 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Disconnect the lower arm from the steering knuckle.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci 2001 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the arm. Use a crowbar.
  18. Step 18
    BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Ci 2.2 2002 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Grip the suspension control arm in a vice.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci 2.0 2003 by yourself
    Treat the control arm bush. Use WD-40 spray.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 323Ci 2.5 2004 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the control arm bush. Use 3-Arm Gear Puller.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the vice and remove the control arm.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320Cd 2.0 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Grip the new control arm in a vice.
  23. Step 23
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 3 SERIES 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Treat the mounting seat of the control arm bush. Use WD-40 spray.
  24. Step 24
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2000 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the control arm bush to its mounting seat. Use a rubber mallet.
  25. Step 25
    BMW 3 SERIES 330Cd 3.0 Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Loosen the vice and remove the control arm.
  26. Step 26
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2002 330Ci by yourself
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  27. Step 27
    3 Convertible (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2003 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install a new arm.
    Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
  28. Step 28
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Install the control arm fasteners.
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DIY BMW 3 Convertible (E46) Control Arm replacement - online guide
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