Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, 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 front suspension arm / front control arm on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
How to change Suspension arm on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension arm
How to change Link Set, wheel suspension on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Link Set, wheel suspension
How to change Rod / Strut, wheel suspension on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Rod / Strut, wheel suspension
Tools
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E39. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 22
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Ball joint puller
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E39. Use the following procedure:
  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) 523 i 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 front of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 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
    Remove the control arm cover.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Control Arm replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  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
    Unscrew the ball joint fastening to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench.
  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
    Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Control Arm replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Control Arm on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Unscrew the front arm fastener. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 12
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Control Arm DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the front fastener of the control arm.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Remove the arm.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds 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) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install a new arm.
    Replacement: front lower arm – BMW E39. Tip:
    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
    Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Control Arm - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Screw the fasteners of the ball joint. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench.
  18. Step 18
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Control Arm replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Control Arm on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Install the front fastener of the arm.
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Control Arm replacement - online guide
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