How to carry out replacement: Control Arm 320d BMW E46
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Change BMW E46 316i 1.8 Control Arm yourself – manuals and video tutorials

How to change rear suspension lower control arm on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316i, 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) 320d, 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) 320d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 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 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
Alternative products
How to change Suspension arm on BMW E46 320d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Suspension arm
Tools
Replacement: rear suspension lower control arm – BMW 3 (E46). Tools you need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #18
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Pin punch
Hammer
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Buy tools
Replacement: rear suspension lower control arm – BMW 3 (E46). 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: rear suspension lower control arm – BMW 3 (E46). Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 2
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 1999 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  3. Step 4
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 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 3 (E46)
  4. Step 5
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318i 2002 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 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Make a mark on the camber adjustment bolt.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the fastening bolt. Use a drive socket #18. Use a crowbar.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a drive socket #18. Use a crowbar.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW E46 2000 320d by yourself
    Support the rear knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  12. Step 13
    3 Saloon (E46) 318i 2001 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the fastening bolts. Use a pin punch. Use a hammer. Use a crowbar. Use a combination spanner #18.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Remove the arm.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318i Control Arm
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Control Arm on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install a new arm.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: rear suspension lower control arm – BMW 3 (E46). Use only new bolts and nuts for installation.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the control arm fasteners. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a crowbar.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 1999 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Adjust the position of the alignment bolt according to the mark.
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