The following article provides detailed instructions on replacing the tie rods in a BMW E46 3 series car. Even though we have used a 2003 BMW 325ci to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any E46 3 series vehicle, including the 323i, 328i, and 330i coupe, sedan, and convertible.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E46 3 Series 325ti
E46 3 Series 318td
E46 3 Series 320td
E46 3 Series 318ti
E46 3 Series 330xi
E46 3 Series 330i
E46 3 Series 330xd
E46 3 Series 330d
E46 3 Series 316ti
E46 3 Series 328i
E46 3 Series 325xi
E46 3 Series 325i
E46 3 Series 320i
E46 3 Series 323i
E46 3 Series 320d
E46 3 Series 318i
E46 3 Series 318d
E46 3 Series 316i
E46 3 Series M3 CSL
E46 3 Series M3
E46 3 Series 330Ci
E46 3 Series 330Cd
E46 3 Series 325Ci
E46 3 Series 323Ci
E46 3 Series 320Ci
E46 3 Series 320Cd
E46 3 Series 318Ci
E46 3 Series 328Ci
E46 3 Series 316Ci
E46 3 Series 323i 2.4
E46 3 Series 316i 1.9
E46 3 Series 316i 1.6
Let's face it...your BMW E46 3 series front suspension takes a beating. Unless you are a tea toddling Sunday driver, you most likely have put a lot of stress on your frame and suspension components over the years, especially if your vehicle is pushing 100,000 plus miles.
One of the most frequent repairs to the front suspension on a BMW E46 3 series is replacing torn
steering rack boots. The rubber boots must be immediately replaced when compromised to prevent dirt and grime from getting into the steering rack system and causing an expensive failure. Since the steering boots can only be replaced by removing the vehicle's tie rods,
the BMW Repair Guide strongly recommends replacing the tie rods with the boots.
Worn tie rods produce a number of issues including front-end shake and rattle, poor front-end alignment (car pulling to one side or the other), and uneven or prematurely worn tires.
Please note that it is required that you take your vehicle to a tire installation shop to have the front wheels aligned after completing this repair. The steps below will get the front end close to its original alignment, but specialized equipment will probably be necessary to get it exact.