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Replacing Suspension Control Arm

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Control arm

The failure of the rubber part of the bushings on the suspension control arms is a common issue on these models. You can either replace the entire control arm or just the bushing. In any case, you must remove the suspension control arm to perform the repair. First, lift the vehicle on appropriate jack stands and remove the front wheel and splash shield. Next, remove the mounting bolts of the rear support, then take off the nut that secures the control arm to the engine cradle, and finally disconnect the ball joint of the arm from the hub support.

Updated on 18 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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Replacing the Front Suspension Control Arm
Replacing the Front Suspension Control Arm
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) Lift the vehicle on a lift and locate the control arm of the suspension, which is triangular in shape and connected to the hub and the vehicle's fram…
Replacing Suspension Arm Bushings
Replacing Suspension Arm Bushings
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) If the bushings of the suspension control arm are damaged, you can purchase just the replacement bushings (silent block) instead of the entire arm. T…
Replacing Rear Suspension Control Arm Bushing
Replacing Rear Suspension Control Arm Bushing
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) Lift the vehicle on a lift and remove the wheel corresponding to the suspension you need to work on: you can then access the control arm of the suspe…

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