BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 132

10 - Strut housing

11 - Locating pin

12 - Protective cap

13 - Upper spring pad

14 - Washer

15 - Upper spring seat

16 - Spring

17 - Lower spring seat

Tightening torque

Upper strut mount
to strut shaft M14
self-locking nut

64 Nm (47 ft-lb)

310-3

Front End
Reinforcement

In rear wheel drive models, a front end
reinforcement is bolted to the rear of
the subframe and attached to the
frame rails.

CAUTION!

Do not drive vehicle without the front
end reinforcement in place. Damage
to the front suspension may result.

The tubular front end reinforcement is
installed with 4 bolts (A) in the
following cars:

Rear wheel drive Sedan and Sport
Wagon models manufactured until
production date 12/2000.

Coupe models manufactured until
production date 11/1999.

-

The aluminum plate type front end
reinforcement is installed in the
following cars:

All Convertible models

Coupe models manufactured from
production date 11/1999.

Rear wheel drive Sedan and Sport
Wagon models manufactured
from production date 12/2000.

CAUTION!

After 2/2001, the front reinforcement
plate was produced with larger cast
depressions to accommodate the

larger (66 mm) front control arm
bushings. The difference in the early
production and later plates can only
be discerned by removing the plate.

In order to safely use an early
production plate in a car with larger
bushings, insert appropriate sized
washers between frame rails and
reinforcement plate at bolts B.

-

When reinstalling front end
reinforcement:

Replace mounting bolts.

Torque bolts in 2 stages, as
shown below. Use BMW special
tool 00 9 120 or equivalent torque
angle protractor.

Tightening torque

Front end reinforcement to front
subframe or body frame rails: M10
bolt (Aor B) (always replace)

Stage 1

59 Nm (43 ft-lb)

Stage 2

torque angle 90°

+ 30°

310-4

Front Subframe

The front subframe provides rigid
mounting points for the engine,
suspension, and steering components.
The subframe is not normally subject
to wear and should only be replaced if
structurally damaged.

Rear wheel drive and all wheel drive
models differ significantly in the design
of the front subframe.

Removing the front subframe requires
engine lifting equipment to support the
weight of the engine from above so that
the subframe can be removed from
below.

CAUTION!

Removal or replacement of the
subframe may affect suspension and
steering geometry, including front
wheel alignment. Make appropriate
matching marks during removal and
have the front end aligned once
repairs are complete.

Front subframe, removing and
installing (rear wheel drive
models)

Using engine support equipment, raise
engine until weight of engine is
supported.

-

Raise car and remove front
wheels.

WARNING!

Make sure that the car is firmly
supported on jack stands designed
for the purpose. Place the jack