Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i

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]

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

All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models

BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i

BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i

BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i

BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i

BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i

BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i

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:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:

Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E39
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

Clean all joints of the arm.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 7

Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
Step 8

Clean all joints of the arm.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 9

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.
Step 10

Unscrew the arm fastening to the beam.Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 11

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 12

Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 13

Remove the rear upper arm.
Step 14

Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 15

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.
Step 16

Install the fastening bolt.
Step 17

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.
Step 18

Tighten the fastener connecting the suspension arm to the rear knuckle.Use a drive socket #22.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 75 Nm torque.
Step 19

Screw in the fastener connecting the control arm to the subframe.Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 20

Tighten the arm fastening to the beam.Use a drive socket #16.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 60 nm torque.
Step 21

Connect the ABS sensor wiring.
Step 22

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:

BMW E39 – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
Step 23

Treat all joints of the arm.Use copper grease.
Step 24

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 25

Clean the brake disk surface.Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: rear upper arm – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC:

After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 26

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:

Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. BMW E39
Step 27

Screw in the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 28

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 29

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Comment

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.

How to change front strut mount on BMW E46 touring – replacement guide

Free download PDF

15.43 MB
How to replace the rear hub bearing on BMW 5 E60

Free download PDF

2.81 MB
How to replace the lower arm of the rear independent suspension on BMW 5 E60

Free download PDF

1.36 MB
How to change: BMW E60 rear anti roll bar links – replacement guide

Free download PDF

5.35 MB
How to change track rod end on BMW E60 – replacement guide

Free download PDF

6.88 MB
How to change: BMW E82 engine oil and filter – replacement guide

Free download PDF

7.57 MB
How to change: BMW E82 spark plugs – replacement guide

Free download PDF

10.12 MB
How to change fuel filter on BMW X3 E83 diesel – replacement guide

Free download PDF

5.78 MB
How to change front brake pads on BMW X5 E53 – replacement guide

Free download PDF

7.99 MB

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.

Scan

To download the app:

- scan the QR code
- download from App Store
- download from Google Play

Tips & tricks for your BMW 5 Saloon (E39)

What to check when buying a used car | AUTODOC tips

4K views

Published on: 24/10/2020
Checking the starter without removing it | AUTODOC tips

2K views

Published on: 01/12/2020
What to do if the ABS light comes on | AUTODOC tips

1K views

Published on: 11/03/2021
How to easily repair a punctured tyre | AUTODOC tips

2K views

Published on: 25/02/2021