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How to change track rod end on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 330 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci … 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 – Track Rod End for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models
Track rod end
Alternative products

Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #13
Combination spanner #22
Combination spanner #24
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Hammer
Vernier caliper
Ball joint puller
Wheel chock
Replacement: track rod end – BMW 3 Convertible (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
- Replace tie rod ends in pairs.
- The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left tie rod ends.
- Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Convertible (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
- Step 1Secure the wheels with chocks.
- Step 2Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.Step 3Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.Step 4Unscrew the wheel bolts.Replacement: track rod end – BMW 3 Convertible (E46). Tip:To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
- Step 5Remove the wheel.
- Step 6When deinstalling, mark or measure the precise position of the ball joint on the track rod, or count the number of turns in order to prevent misalignment afterward. Use a vernier caliper.
- Step 7Loosen the lock nut securing the tie rod end to the tie rod. Use a combination spanner #24.
- Step 8Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
- Step 9Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 10Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller. Use a hammer.
- Step 11Screw the end out of the tie rod. Use a combination spanner #13. Use a combination spanner #22.
- Step 12Screw on a new tie rod end.Replacement: track rod end – BMW 3 Convertible (E46). AUTODOC recommends:While installing the steering rod end remember to make the same number of turns or to leave the same length of thread showing as per your measurements.
- Step 13Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
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