Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change wheel bearing on BMW E46 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Wheel Bearing for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
How to change Wheel bearing kit on BMW E46 320 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Wheel bearing kit
How to change Wheel bearing on BMW E46 320 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Wheel bearing
How to change Cap, wheel bearing on BMW E46 320 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Cap, wheel bearing
Tools
Replacement: wheel bearing – BMW E46. Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 46
HEX bit No.H6.
HEX bit No.H7.
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Hammer
Pin punch
Flat Screwdriver
Crow bar
Wheel chock
Replacement: wheel bearing – BMW E46. Professionals recommend:
  • Do not re-use the bearing assembly of your AUDI A4 B6 car.
  • The wheel hub bearing replacement procedure is identical for both wheels on the same axle.
  • Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – BMW E46.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Wheel Bearing on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
    Step 3
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Wheel Bearing - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  3. Step 4
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Wheel Bearing replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: wheel bearing – BMW E46. AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Wheel Bearing - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a flat screwdriver.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a flat screwdriver.
  7. Step 8
    Clean the brake caliper fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Wheel Bearing replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Wheel Bearing on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: wheel bearing – BMW E46. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    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. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Wheel Bearing replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the brake pads.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Wheel Bearing on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  12. Step 14
    3 Saloon (E46) 318 i 2001 Wheel Bearing DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 15
    How to change Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Remove the caliper bracket.
  14. Step 16
    Clean the brake disc fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318 i Wheel Bearing
    Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 18
    Remove the brake disc.
    Step 19
    DIY replacement of Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the hub bearing protection cap. Use a flat screwdriver. Use a hammer.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with wheel hub caps.
  16. Step 20
    How to change Wheel Bearing on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unstake the wheel hub retaining nut. Use a flat screwdriver. Use a hammer.
  17. Step 21
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Wheel Bearing - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the fasteners of the wheel hub bearing. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  18. Step 22
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Wheel Bearing replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the hub bearing mounting. Use a drive socket #46. Use a tap wrench.
  19. Step 23
    Changing Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the hub and the bearing together, since they are a sealed unit.
  20. Step 24
    Clean the hub bearing mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
    Step 25
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Wheel Bearing - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the new wheel hub with a bearing. Use a hammer.
  21. Step 26
    How to replace Wheel Bearing on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Tighten the fastener of the wheel hub bearing. Use a drive socket #46. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 290 nm torque.
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.
Users voted – 0
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.
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Wheel Bearing replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Wheel Bearing replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW 3 Saloon (E46)
View more
  • How to change Wheel bearings on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 - replacement tricks
    Top 5 reasons why your car squeals | AUTODOC Tips
  • Changing Hub bearing BMW E46 320 d - Replacement Tips
    TOP 4 car cleaning products | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 2.0 Wheel bearing kit replacement guide
    Things you should never do with an automatic transmission | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Wheel hub bearing on BMW E46 - free video tips
    How to remove scratches from car plastic | AUTODOC tips