Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 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

Tools
Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 (E46). List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Combination spanner #17
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Adjustable wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Vice
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the mounts of the right and left shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
  • Both mounts of the rear shock struts should be replaced simultaneously.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Press and hold the folding roof control switch. Hold the button pressed until you get access to the upper fasteners of the shock absorber.
    Step 2
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock strut mount caps. Use a crowbar.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Strut Mount - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the fasteners of the shock absorber upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  3. Step 4
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Strut Mount replacement: free workshop manuals
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Strut Mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Strut Mount - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  6. Step 7
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 8
    How to replace Strut Mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 3 (E46)
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Strut Mount replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the wheel.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Strut Mount on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Strut Mount on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Strut Mount replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Strut Mount on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock absorber when undoing the fastening bolts.
  12. Step 14
    3 Saloon (E46) 318 i 2001 Strut Mount DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  13. Step 15
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318 i Strut Mount
    Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Strut Mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Strut Mount on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a combination spanner #17.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Strut Mount - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
  18. Step 20
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Strut Mount replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    Replacement: strut mount – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Strut Mount on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Install the new mount, boot, and bump stop on the shock absorber.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Strut Mount replacement - online guide
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