Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) M5, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535i, 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
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) 523i 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) 520i 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 525tds 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 540i 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 523i by yourself
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  12. Step 12
    5 Saloon (E39) 525tds 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 525tds 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) 528i 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) 523i 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.
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Control Arm replacement - online guide
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