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Repair Summary
This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the control arm bushings in a BMW E46 3 series vehicle. Even though we used a 2004 325ci to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any 1998-2006 3 series vehicle with minor modifications to the repair steps.
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
A BMW E46 control arm bushing replacement is an easy repair that will restore the "new car" feel to your front suspension.
While recently test driving our 2004 325ci we noticed a horrendous "thump" coming from the front end while accelerating and braking the vehicle. To make matters worse, the thumping sound turned into a bone-jarring "clank" whenever we hit a pothole or rough patch in the road.
After a quick visual inspection of the front end suspension, the culprit of these "thumps" and "clanks" was immediately clear; one of the control arm bushings had completely separated from its inner core (and the other was not far behind). In fact, there was very little bushing left to keep the front wheels from wobbling while driving down the road. An extremely dangerous condition.
In simple terms, the control arms help keep the front wheels of your car on the road. They connect the frame of the vehicle to the wheels, and "control" their movement as the car hits bumps and imperfections in the road. The control arm bushings are the flexible connections to the frame; without them the control arms could not swing, creating a bone-jarring ride down the highway. Worn control arm bushings are extremely hazardous and should be changed out immediately. They can cause loss of control of the vehicle and serious injury.
Doing a BMW E46 control arm bushing replacement is actually a rather simple job. You will need to raise the front of the vehicle, so make sure to follow proper jacking techniques. Please read our article on jacking and supporting your BMW for more information.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
Fits all BMW E46 models (except M)
If the control arm bushings on your vehicle are beginning to fail, it will become quickly apparent. Suspension noise will be drastically increased, there will be steering wheel shake when hitting road hazards, and the entire car will have an all around loose feel. This can also lead to premature tire failure as alignment is negatively affected. Replace your control arm bushings to give your entire suspension a tighter feel.
All BMW E46 (except M)
If the control arm bushings on your vehicle are beginning to fail, it will become quickly apparent. Suspension noise will be drastically increased, there will be steering wheel shake when hitting road hazards, and the entire car will have an all around loose feel. This can also lead to premature tire failure as alignment is negatively affected. Replace your control arm bushings to give your entire suspension a tighter feel.
All BMW E46 (except M)
The Turner engineering team set out to design a no-compromise solution that requires no modification and offers instantaneous cornering and braking response. The result is the ultimate in terms of low friction, no binding, and no unwanted deflection, as well as exceptional steering precision, turn-in response, and direct braking feedback with minimal increase in NVH. These spherical bearings are a must have for any track car, but are also completely street-able and are a great upgrade for any enthusiast that enjoys spirited driving.
All BMW E46 (except M)
Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved steering feel, turn in, more responsive handling and overall improved chassis composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings.
Section 1 - Removing the Old Bushings
Removing the old bushings on your BMW E46 is actually a very simple process. Most likely they will get stuck on the control arms and will need to be pulled off. Take your time and use patience when removing a stuck bushing. NEVER attempt to burn or melt a stuck bushing off the control arm...this is an extremely hazardous procedure and completely necessary.- Loosen (DO NOT remove) the lug nuts on the front wheels using a 17mm socket and breaker bar.
- Jack and support the front of your vehicle using the Jack Stand Method as shown in our article BMW Jacking and Supporting for Repairs and Maintenance.
- Finish removing the two front wheels from the vehicle.
- Remove the (8) 16mm bolts attaching the skid plate to the frame of the car.
- Remove the skid plate exposing the two control arm bushings.
- Remove the two control arm bushing anchor bolts using 16mm socket wrench. You will probably need a breaker bar or piece of pipe to loosen bolts first.
- Use a 4” three jaw puller to remove the control arm bushing bracket off of the control arm. The bracket will pull away leaving the inner core of the bushing left on the control arm.
- Remove the inner metal core of the bushing from the control arm using a large pair of Vise Grips. Turn the bushing while pulling and it will slowly come off of the control arm. If the inner core is stuck and won’t turn off, score it with a Dremel tool and a steel cutting wheel to release its grip on the control arm. You only have to cut a 1-2” groove in it to release its grip...it will pull right off with the Vice Grips after that.
- Use a rag to thoroughly clean off any bushing residue left on the control arm.
Section 2 - Installing New Bushings
Installing the new bushings is simply the reverse of the above steps. Never use petroleum based lubricants on your bushings when reinstalling...it will cause your bushings to slip when driving.- Use liquid dish detergent (like Dawn) to lubricate the control arm and inside of new E46 control arm bushing. You will need to lubricate these parts for installation. Avoid using any type of petroleum based lubricant (WD40, grease, engine oil, etc). These will not dry after installation and will cause the bushing to slip under driving conditions.
- Place the new bushing on the end of the control arm. ***Check the alignment of the bracket bolt holes to make sure you have the correct side! Use a rubber mallet to gently pound the new control arm bushing onto the control arm until it is stops.
- Re-install bushing bracket using new bolts. Torque bolts to 59 Nm (44 ft-lb).
- Reinstall front wheels. Torque lug nuts to 122 Nm (90 ft-lb).
BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Replacement Finished
