Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) M5, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear suspension arm / rear control arm on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
How to change Suspension arm on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension arm
How to change Link Set, wheel suspension on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Link Set, wheel suspension
How to change Rod / Strut, wheel suspension on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Rod / Strut, wheel suspension
Tools
Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #22
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 22
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW E39. Professionals recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left upper control arms.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW E39. Take the following steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E39
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the arm fastening to the beam. Use a combination spanner #16.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  12. Step 12
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Remove the rear upper arm.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Control Arm
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Mount the rear upper arm.
    Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
    During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the fastening bolt.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Screw in the fastener that connects the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Control Arm replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Control Arm replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW 5 Saloon (E39)
View more
  • How to change Control arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i - replacement tricks
    4 reasons why your CHECK ENGINE light is on | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Wishbone BMW E39 523 i - Replacement Tips
    What to do if the belt squeals | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530d 3.0 Control arms replacement guide
    DIY alternator repair | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Trailing arm on BMW E39 - free video tips
    Things you should never do with your manual transmission | AUTODOC tips