BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 163

Rear subframe bushing

-

Remove subframe as described
earlier.

-

In case of damage to subframe
mounting stud threads, replace
stud.

-

In case of damage to subframe
mounting stud threads in body,
repair using Helicoil thread insert
M12 x 1.5 x18.

-

Press old bushing out and install
new bushing using appropriate
press tools. Coat new bushing with
Circolight® or equivalent rubber
bonding agent.

Bushing position and orientation:

Right front bushing has elongated
hole (arrow).

Orient all bushings with triangular
arrow heads pointing front/aft on
car.

Have car professionally aligned
when job is complete.

Tightening torque

Drive axle collar nut to drive flange

M24

250 Nm (184

ft-lb)

M27

300 Nm (221

ft-lb)

Drive axle to final drive flange

Tightening torque

M10x20 mm Torx
bolt

83 Nm (61 ft-lb)

M10x46 mm bolt
(black)

100 Nm (74 ft-lb)

M10x46 mm bolt
(silver) (always
replace)

80 Nm (59 ft-lb)

Road wheel to hub

100 ± 10 Nm

(74 ± 7 ft-lb)

Shock absorber to
trailing arm (car in
normal loaded
position)

100 Nm (74 ft-lb)

Subframe to body
(M12)

77 Nm (57 ft-lb)

Upper control arm
to rear subframe
M12 bolt

77 Nm (57 ft-lb)

Upper control arm
to trailing arm M12
bolt

110 Nm (81 ft-lb)

330-4

Rear Stabilizer Bar

The rear stabilizer bar is mounted to
the rear subframe and attached via
stabilizer bar links to the rear upper
control arms.

1 - Stabilizer bar

2 - Self-locking nut M8

3 - Rubber mounting

4 - Clamping support

5 - Bolt M8

6 - Bolt M

7 - Stabilizer link support bracket

8 - Bolt M8

9 - Self-locking nut

10 - M8 Self-locking nut

11 - M8 Stabilizer link

When installing new stabilizer link:

Clean rubber seating surface at
end of stabilizer bar.

Moisten end of bar and inside
rubber mount (in link end). with
Circolight® or equivalent rubber
bonding agent.

Push bar into rubber mount and
position as shown in illustration.
Once rubber bond has set
stabilizer link can no longer be
rotated

330-5

Rear Wheel Bearings

The rear wheel bearing is a unitized
assembly and is not repairable
separately.

Special press tools, to be used with the
trailing arm attached to the car, are
required to replace a wheel bearing.
Read the procedure through before
beginning the job.

Rear wheel bearing, replacing

-

Remove drive axle as described in

331 Rear Axle Final Drive

.

WARNING!

Make sure that the car is firmly
supported on jack stands designed
for the purpose. Place the jack
stands beneath a structural chassis
point. Do not place jack stands
under suspension parts.

-

Right side: Detach brake pad
sensor connector at brake caliper.

-

Remove brake caliper assembly
and rotor as described in

340

Brakes

. Leave brake hose

connected to caliper. Suspend
caliper assembly from chassis
using stiff wire.

Remove ABS pulse sensor at trailing
arm.