Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 30 d, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 i xDrive, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d, BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d, BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 i, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 si, BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 si, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 sd, BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 sd, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 i, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 25 i, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 30 i, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 18 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 30 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 35 d, BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 18 d, BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 si xDrive, BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front suspension arm on BMW X3 E83 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for X3 (E83) and other BMW models

Suspension arm

Link Set, wheel suspension

Rod / Strut, wheel suspension

        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 20 d Diesel (163 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) xDrive 30 d Diesel (211 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 i xDrive Petrol (231 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d Diesel (204 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 d Diesel (150 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 2.0 i Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 d Diesel (218 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 3.0 si Petrol (272 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 si Petrol (218 hp)

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. Tools you might need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Brake cleaner 
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Combination spanner #16
                      
                        Combination spanner #22
                      
                        Drive socket # 18 
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #17
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Ball joint puller
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. AUTODOC experts recommend:

The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 2

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW X3 E83
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 7

Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 8

Unscrew the ball joint fastening to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22.
Step 9

Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
Step 10

Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 11

Remove the arm.
Step 12

Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13

Install a new arm.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. Professionals recommend:
During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
Step 14

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 15

Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
Step 16

Screw the fastener connecting the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22.
Step 17

Screw the fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 18

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 19

Tighten the fasteners connecting the control arm and the subframe. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 20

Tighten the fastener connecting the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
Step 21

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW X3 E83 – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
Step 22

Treat all joints of the arm. Use copper grease.
Step 23

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 24

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 25

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X3 E83. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 26

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. BMW X3 E83
Step 27

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 28

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 140 Nm torque.
Step 29

Remove the jacks and chocks.

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