BMW E46 Suspension Common Problems & Overview
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
In this video I show all the suspension components on an 2001 BMW 325i e46 while the car is on the lift. I highlight trouble areas and give my suggestions on what should be replaced.
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I must've referred to this video 20 different times, and I learned something new every time. Definitely recommending!
Me too 💎
I must say since I bought an e46 I have been watching a lot of these videos without really commenting.
So with this comment I want to say that your videos are REALLY informational, especially for e46 owners, So Thank you!
Not only did I learn a lot about my car but I also saw a lot of cool things that I want to do to my car, so keep up the good work.
p.s. I think it might be cool to do some tjhunt style edits of you working on cool cars or something, the information in these videos are great I just think you lack some cool shot or edits (not trying to complain just trying to get more people to notice you, if that''s what you want)
Note about changing control arms, it is useful to inform a car workshop about the automatic lights adjustment arm because sometimes they forget about it and break it off by accident.
Love these e46 videos! They help me out a lot, Thank you!
Thanks dude I come from family with yard full of mercs and I bought an E46 touring and this video saves my time when I get my car on a hoist.
You are the man, just got into wrenching on my e46 mainly cos its a piece of s*** and I'd be broke if I didn't. Really helpful vids, really well made and top notch explanations. Top man, thanks
Very good into, thanks. I love the depreciation and buying a car such as this. Doing your own maintenance /preventive maintenance should make this car go 300,000 miles. Good job and good luck.
I've had my e46 for more than 6 years and the clunk in the front suspension area drives me crazy. I've replaced every suspension item except for the sway bar links and bushings. Thanks for the video, I will replace those next and I'm hoping this will fix the eternal clunk! I will keep u posted
Moses G. Did you figure out what the issue was as I have a similar clunk
Did it fix it??
Thanks for making this video and showing were the vital parts look like. On an E46 that is 10 years old or 120k miles as a daily driver, definitely to look into the shocks, engine mounts, and transmission mounts, if they are making noise or deteriating.
Wow! You covered every suspension component with complete detail. Great job with the tutorial and video! Now, I can feel somewhat confident about some of the repairs.
Probably one of the best videos out there for E46s, thanks a lot for the work!
Glad it helped!
Great overview with advice. Excellent on target camera work also.
12:20 I think you meant Differential and not Driveshaft.
haha I sure did! Thanks for watching
ShopLifeTV
This is just what I needed, I have a mysterious knock I cannot figure out, thank you!
what knock was it ? what part
i have an e46 330 ci. i learn a lot about my car on your channel. great video.
Looking forward to the video about the subframe issue. Please make sure to tell us how to check the subframe before buying without taking it to a shop.
Your BMW videos are some of the best on RUclips. I wish you did a few on the F30's. Thank you!
My 320ci hits soon 200k km, nice to see somebody cares about these beauties of E46es!
AWESOME VIDEO MAN!!! im constantly you-tubing e46 stuff, and you cleared so much stuff up for me , Cheers Bud ;)
Great video brother, I have E90, lost steering razor sharpness after hitting a bump, thank God you came back to NC. Thanks.
Hey ShoplifeTV! Thank you for taking the time and effort to record and explain in detail so much of the work you do on E46's! I've been watching for a while and appreciate it all! I have a converted 330CI. The body is a 2002 330CI (Unknown KM) and the entire drive line (S54) electronics, interior, suspension (brakes etc) are all from a 2006 M3 manual 6 speed. (70,000km) I just LOVE it! My big worry though (of course) is subframe cracks. I diagnosed a 15 - 20 mm crack just above the drivers side rear stabilizer bar mount. (I saw a video showing where to watch). So I've filled the drivers side subframe with the recommended "Foam" as BMW said to do when they first got complaints from owners (more video learning). I'm hoping this will hold until I can afford to get someone to install the full subframe plate kit as I don't have a garage to do the work. Plus my driveway is gravel. So I'm eager to see your video and advice about E46 cracks when you get the time and can do it. I'm hoping I can get it done for around $1500.00 but I haven't talked to a shop that says they do it yet in my city (Calgary). Thanks again!!
That's awesome man! And definitely get the cracks welded and the plates installed ASAP!
Great overview! Add to that:
Drive shaft bearing failure (and sometimes the Gybo) should be read as a 'symptom;' not necessarily as 'age' being the root cause. I've seen many various reports of replacing the drive shaft bearing... only to have it fail very soon yet again.
Root causes include: a) Front motor mounts collapse (difficult for a newbie to know just how high the engine should be of of that mount area), such that the engine is using the rear mounts as the fulcrum, the rear of the engine becomes 'jacked up *particularly on stick transmissions);, and the alignment through the gybo and drive-shaft bearing is compromised (read: severely misallinged, and the rubber surround of the drive shaft bearing is under undue stress). b) failure of the U-joint immediately next to the drive-shaft bearing.
If needing repairs in the drive-shaft area, and you have a stick, seriously consider upgrading the shfit linkage to a short shifter. (replacing the shift knob as a big improvemnet is a myth; putiting in a short arm IS a MAJOR improvement, as the difference is actually in the lengthening of the bottom part of the shift arm; the top is left at the same length).
Nice tips. :) Seconded and highly recommended. Especially about those mounts. Also, dead engine mounts can potentially throw the shifter off-balance with the guibo making contact with the lower end of shifter handle. :)
Shifter contact with those 'short shifter' models, or upgrades perhaps. Even 'stiff' rear mounts look good until matched along side new ones.
Excellent and informative once again, keep it up!
Thank you for your videos. I'm going to buy a higher mileage E46 for daily duty, and this channel has everything I need.
Think I'll be watching all the E46 videos now haha
Amazing video....I am sure you saved people thousands of dollars with this video. Thanks!
These videos have the POTENTIAL to be great. This onejust stated the obvious. If there is play, then it is shot. And here is my main problem: "there is supposed to be SOME play - that is normal".
Ok. What is exactly the amount of SOME play? What is normal? It would be a much better help for us who has not seen 9000 bad thingymajigs to actually see examples of what is acceptable play and therefore a good part - and then show us one that is clearly bad.
E36 and E46 are just stunning !!
Great video once again. I just ordered the whole control arm kit with inner and outer tier rods, drag links, and control arm bushings in polyurethane, off of ebay for under 140.00. Amazon was 179.00 for the exact same kit. Looks like its the same kit they are advertising in the list of parts in your description for over 300.00. Just saying for those on a tight budget like me. lol
My 330 had a gnarly clunk when I got it. Previous owner replaced the struts and reversed the front left and right struts. This forced the sway bar end links into bad a angles causing the clunk.
thanks man was just looking under mine today wishing it was on a lift . very helpful vid
thanks for all the info you bring to RUclips. I'm about to check myself in for a mental breakdown. my 02 e46 ci water pump etc, went out. I replaced all it needed, do you have anything in the way of bleeding the radiator. so much stuff on here. I learned one thing. I trust you. every one else.... I'm sure the mean well. but listening to some who swear and then show they can drink beer while fixing a car is a bit. well-lets just say I won't get that time back. through trial and error, and your guidance. I've come to realize buy Japanese next time, Subaru, Honda etc. that being said I will continue to follow you and use you as a valuable source to help me keep my wits and sanity while I own my e46. I cannot thank you enough for all you do.
cheers..
+hungrychowhound11612 Did you ever have the subframe cracking issue?
Appreciate all the kind words, and trust me japanese cars have their fair share of issues as well and are not usually as easy or well documented for DIY's. Look at my water pump diy, I go over bleeding the system briefly.
my boyfriend and I just drove my 325xi from Ohio to California:) great video.
thank you ! good vid ! i got a rear clunk noise from the rear on my bmw z4 coupe 3.0si ! wen i pull up and go in reverse very annoying sounds like a metal sound . . . and changed my rear control arm bush with power flex and change my Rear Lower Control Arm with Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arm Kit from powerflex . . . and now i got more noises from the rear wen i go over speedbumps pff grr
Great video e46 are my fav 98 to 2005 best body style in my opinion could do a lot with them 👍
Nice to see new videos rolling in. Keep it up!
Bro i LOVE this channel
Would you be able to make a video on how to change the oil pan gasket?
You have a leak or just doing preventive maintenance?
ankur your videos are awesome man you helped me a lot with my car
Awesome glad I could help!
I have a e46 320d and I've only just replaced both of the left hand side font and rear shocks all origanal. the right hand side are a both still fine and no leaks or lack of damping. the xar has done 215,089 miles. the wishbone arms and bushes I seem to replace about every 20-30,000 miles every. love German build quality my 5th bmw :-)
E46 Expert - Love these Vids!
Do you know how to check the subframe cracking before buying without taking it to a shop?
Just posted a vid on this.
ShopLifeTV Oh great! I was waiting for this.
You should be in Lisbon (Portugal) 😊
Always nice videos !!!
Just bought a 2005 b330 xi, I have a rumble noise in the rear left wheel, most noticeable when the car is cold, and making a right hand turn while pulling out. it only happens at 5 to 20 mph.
Checked the bushings and wheel bearings have no play. also notice the car seems to be moving left and right while hold the wheels straight at speeds over 35mph. also have a pull to the right, when applying brakes, i just installed new brakes and rotors front and back thanks dan.
Going to buy a E46 in 2 weeks or so:)))
YOUNGSTER KNOWS ALOT AMAZING!!!
How did you learn so much about this car? I'm impressed! Thank you!
Awsome videos bro! Keep up the good work!👍
I changed my front rear wishbone bushings to poly bushes even though the original ones were ok... but did it for piece of mind as knew they were a common issue for e46's
wish you lived in Florida... very educational , great video
Thanks for sharing with us all. ✌️🏴.
Thanks for your time with this matter. I have to do this soon.
Wondering how many hours of labor it would generally be to replace all front suspension parts? Thanks for mentioning the ballpark price on the parts! Will be a huge to me with my 04 e46 325ci
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.
I love your channel, which is very informative..
I own 2002 E46 M3, which is experiencing thunking noise in the back passenger side, and I suspect driveshaft center bearing and Guibo.
I have 160K Kg on it, and would like to consider changing all suspension related bushing and perhaps shocks.
I notice your girlfriend had done similar upgrades, but what would you recommend on suspension components, and bushing related upgade..
Appreciate your keen advise on this.
Best
Jerry
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS , HERE I CAN LEARN STEP BY STEP BRO I REALLY APRECIATED
Big fan and subscriber 🙌 . I have a question. Do you know what type of suspension the e46 M3 has in front & rear? As in is it Macpherson or double wishbone or other type? I've done google searches and I can't find specifics on what type of suspension it has.
just bought an e36 m3 and subbed trying to learn more great information
Really enjoy your videos. Follow your dreams while you are young!
I waited until I was 49 to open my own shop, but have been a mechanic since 2 years of technical school. So I hope the best for you! You seem to have a mature outlook and a plan! Very interested to know how you 2 are adjusting to California. Would like to hear how the work is going in the shop and how you are trying to attract new customers. May be a quick video for other one man shops.
ps.... Do they have Dennys in California? lol
Since you're also an experienced mechanic, what are some technical schools should I consider?
I would recommend looking into a community college that has a automotive technical program.
That keeps cost down and you can get financial aid if needed.
The one I went to was in Danville, Virginia.
It just seems to me the big technical schools is very expensive. My son worked and I both worked at a tire shop for about 6 months to learn some about cars and the ins and outs of an automotive shop.
He was lucky enough to find a small old shop that did not specialize in tires, that hired and was willing to teach him. Tire shops are not bad but most of what you do is slapping tires all day and oil changes.
Hope that helps.
Allen Bowman Nice, thanks for the info.
Thanks! and I think I responded to your previous comment about how everythings going. In term's of dennys, THERES ONE LESS THAN 5 MINS FROM THE SHOP!!!!! Haha but there are tons of dennys in cali, matter of fact dennys started in lakewood ca. Ill try to make a video on attracting customers.
What Allen said is good advice, many community colleges have auto tech programs, I would also try to find a part time job at an independent shop that is willing to teach you, even if they don't pay that well. Nothing will beat the experience!
informative, indepth good grasp of preventative measures A+
You can't cut a drive shaft and just weld it their balanced from factory a u joint is a serviceable you can replace the yoke or the cross or the bushings check the zerc (grease) fittings as well make sure they haven't rusted
e46 users: they are such reliable cars and are a great platform
also e46 users: make 20min videos about things that go bad and common problems
Hi Jason great work on all your videos been very helpful in all my DIY work on my e46. I do have a recent problem I can’t find any info on. My car drives fine however if I turn right I get a sound like a spring being sprung or perhaps even like the brake shield being picked by a finger. This comes from left side of the car around the middle. I only hear this when turning right at the apex either going slow or fast. I initially thought it be the RTAB but car does not pull to one side. So not sure if it’s suspension or anything else that may have been bent? Any info/ directions/ comments on this would be appreciated. Thank you.
broken springs in the rear is common around here (rust belt)
2001 look how beautiful it looks. Reminded me of prom night oil included. Wow Bmw is sexy
Thanks, always enjoy the vids.
Really great job, really informative, u got a sub m8, keep it up :)
really good advise, love the videos and toy explain everything to make it fairly easy to do the job,
thanks!
thanks friend great information
Step one… replace all bushings on the car/non serviceable parts.
Step two…can no longer afford rent and food
Lol!
I do have the excessive play in front tires forward and back in the wheel well. My 06 325i has a two lower controls arms style, a forward and reward control arms. Is it just better to replace both on each side?
Awesome video, I learned a lot! Thanks man
Great video! What are the symptoms for warn out front control arms? (Not the bushing)
Thank u
@ShopLifeTV usually what brand do you use on suspension stuff?
I've been using Meyle HD and Lemforder.
Cheers from Portugal
Any plans on making a video for rear adjustable camber arms for E46? I have that as a future modification on my E46M.
thanks man I've learned a lot from you
At the very end of this video there is what looks like to be the “shock absorber” mount/bushing. Iv struggles with this simplest task
If possible, could you just move to Massachusetts and bring your lift… it’s tough to find mechanics who actually know enough about e46s to get it right. Ty
I’m seriously looking at a 2004 330i ZHP. 166,000 miles $5800.00 original owner. California car with no known issues. It will be my first BMW.
What’s your take on this e46?
@ 1:16 excellent squat technique.
Very nice, thanks for good explaining.
Great videos! Thanks!
Love your video's bro. You make it look so easy. I have an issue with my steering....its a funny issue but apparently its common. Before I begin, I've checked all bushes ( and replaced some), arms are good, and also replaced steering rack.
So the issue is this...
Steering jams only in Full Left Lock (Driving forward - doesn't happen in reverse), and I have to break out of the jam. Never happens on Right Lock...only specifically Forward Left Lock. I can also break out of the lock when I go reverse.
Can you help out with a solution ?
And could you do a video on Oil Housing Gasket change ?
Thanks
i have a Z4 E85 with similar suspension setup, my car clunks when going over the bumps from rear and on visual inspection by mechanic all the bushing look good. But i can hear the clunks and on sharp corners , it leans too both sides whatever direction i am turning. i know doing whole suspension at 130k miles wud be preferable but what cud cause a lean on cornering and clunking on bumps in rear suspension as there are too many bushing in the rear and tough to take them out. Your comments are appreciated.
Awesome tutorials, thanks man!!
covered a lot of good information! thanks
Our 2002 BMW 325CI makes noise only when it's in motion. It's not from the engine,,,,,most of the tech guys said it's tire noise. So far we've replaced the followings:
All 4 wheel bearings, driveshaft guibo, all 4 break disks&pads. Engine runs smooth. In slow speed it feels like tires are touching the body and in the high speed a low whining noise.
Any idea what could be the cause for that annoying noise ?
Lift the car up, put it in gear and run it... See if you can hear the noise from below. Might be the rear diff or an axle shaft
Great video bro!
I HAVE A 1995 BMW 325I WITH 132, 000 MILES.. RUNS GOOD HAS A SALVAGE TITLE,DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT HAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO IT OR FLOOD SIGNS, YESTERDAY THE CONTROL ARM TRAILER WAS RIGGED UP.
would a bad lower control arm bushing cause play in the front end with that cause the rear end to wiggle around on the road got an issue with the rear end of my bmw325xi I know the control arm bushing is shot it Wiggles back and forth your video helped me diagnosed that problem but the rear end of my car is extremely loose and kind of wobbles back and forth along side a semi truck or other cars in high wind wondering if that would be the issue would appreciate a response to help me proceed on this repair
love all your vids but i have an x3 m54 e83 2004 and i cannot find a vid on fuel filter pressure pump replacement diy ..i know the pump/filter sits under the back seat but thats all i know so far..do you have a vid of a similar diy that i can learn from before i try this? thanks
Always awesome, nicely Done.
Very nice video! Could you tell which Problems appear too on a e85 Z4 which is based on the e46 3 series as far as i know?
The problems are similar engine and trans wise for the m54, the n52 are mainly water pump issues.
Thank god for theses videos
Thanks for making the video. My E46 M3 makes clunking noise in the rear suspension whenever I hit a bump or drive over speedbumps... any ideas? TIA
What causes the steering to wobble and pull to the right while driving?
Thank you very much for the video. Does anyone know how to test the individual suspension components? Do I just take a pry bar and try and move it / check for rubber deterioration?
Are those oil leaks expensive to fix bro? What about the suspension if it’s shot?
Excellent channel.
Subbed.
What brand and model lift do you have? Is there one for the home owner. U could recommend?
Hi there. Wonder if you could share some of your wisdom. I have a e46 325ci manual. When the car is cold I have terrible shake which appears to be at the rear end of the car and only occurs when I'm trying to set off. Any ideas? Cheers in advance
I appreciate your videos very much.
Have a an 06 330CI, took to the dealer to replace the oil pan gasket, and after a couple of weeks (this is my weekend car) I noticed big leaks coming from the middle of the car. (between the oil pan and the transmission area)
I have not taken the car back to the dealership because I'm trying to figure out where that leak is coming from.
Please advise..
Thank you!!
After new shocks and Struts the car seems to float. Also bought new cheap tires. Riding not the Same .is it tires or shock?
Do you have a DIY video to replace E46 rear control arm/bushings?