Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 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 5 Touring (E39) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW 5 Touring (E39). List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Torx bit T40
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Wheel chock
Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left upper control arms.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 5 Touring (E39) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 5 Touring (E39)
  4. Step 5
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Control Arm on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Control Arm on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the brake caliper together with its bracket.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Control Arm on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the fasteners connecting the control arm to the subframe. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the arm fastening from the subframe. Use a combination spanner #18 (2 pieces).
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring. Use a crowbar.
  12. Step 13
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21. Use Torx T40. Use a ratchet wrench.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 Touring 2000 520 i Control Arm
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Control Arm on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525d 2.5 2001 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the rear upper arm.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Control Arm on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Mount the rear upper arm.
    Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC recommends:
    During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
  18. Step 19
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the fastening bolt.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Screw in the fastener that connects the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Control Arm - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Support the stub axle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
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DIY BMW 5 Touring (E39) Control Arm replacement - online guide
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