This guide will provide essential information and part numbers to refresh your non-M E46 suspension. I realize a lot of people are on budgets, so I'll divide this list into three stages in order of most important (failure prone) to least important (more durable).
Stage 1:
Front control arm bushings w/ bracket, part number 31126783376 x 2
Associated hardware:
Bracket bolts (four per car), part number 33306760652 x4 (Meyle HD units come w/ new bolts. If Genuine BMW does too, then no need to order new bolts for the brackets) BMW bushings are great and they maintain the supple yet firm steering feel BMWs are known for. You can take it a step further in both feedback/feel and durability and get a solid rubber design like Meyle HD.
At 50,000+ miles, these bushings are well on their way out, if not completely expired. Symptoms can and will include play in steering at any speed, click/clunk as you sharply apply the brake, or steering wheel vibration under braking or general looseness in the steering.
Install tips:
If you're replacing just the bushings, you'll need a gear puller to separate the bushing and bracket from the end of the control arm. To reinstall, lube up the control arm and bushing with 1 part soap to 20 parts water and firmly tap onto the arm with a rubber mallet. The end of the control arm should be flush with the end of the bushing. Don't tap on too far and don't tap on too little. When you reinstall the reinforcement plate, make sure you purchase 8 new bolts. These are designed to be changed every time you reinstall the plate. They shear in the event of a crash. You don't want to compromise these very crucial items.
Reinforcement plate bolts:
Part number 31106772199 x8
Resources:
http://www.understeer.com/lcab.shtml
Struts and Shocks
Struts are in front, shocks are in back. If you have 50,000 or more miles on your E46, your Original Equipment (OE) Sachs-Boge Struts and Shocks are severely degraded, if not totally blown out. You won't notice this because your BMW is stiffly sprung and sway-barred. It will still ride firm, turn sharply, etc. The struts/shocks are crucial in wheel control. Your directional stability is severely compromised when your struts and shocks are failed. This will also cause excess and uneven tire wear. The parts listed below are OE Sport Suspension units. (I'll probably edit this list to include ZHP as well) Keep in mind these part numbers are for OE/OEM units. Many people, including myself, go aftermarket. Personally I went with Bilstein.
BMW performance ZHP, Strut left, part number 31312282459
BMW performance ZHP, Strut right, part number 31312282460
Sport suspension 9/01+ Strut left, part number 31316750791
Sport suspension 9/01+ right, part number 31316750792
Associated hardware
Strut mount (2 per car), part number 31336752735
Bump stop (2 per car), part number 31306757046
Again, these are for stock replacements. Some people go aftermarket as the firmer shocks tend to eat at and destroy the stock design as it is too flimsy. I went with Rogue Engineering.
Strut tower reinforcement plates (VITAL--must install!) two per car, part number 51717036781
Shocks
Shocks BMW performance ZHP, (2 per car) part number 33522282461
Shocks sport package, (2 per car) part number 33521096366
Shock mount (2 per car), part number 33521092362
Associated hardware
Bump stop (2 per car), part number 33506757047
Paper gasket (2 per car), part number 33526772864
Shock tower reinforcement plates (2 per car), part number 51718413359 (VITAL--must install!)
If your bump stops are in good condition, you may reuse. If soft, deteriorated, or chunks missing just replace it. If you go aftermarket Bilstein, they feature internal bump stops. No need for external bump stops.
Install tips:
Perform this work at your own risk. Do not engage in any work that is beyond your comfort and/or skill level. Always secure car on level ground using quality jackstands. Use quality jacks to lift car only, not support.
You will need a quality set of spring compressors, a variety of heavy-duty tools such as a breaker bar, heavy duty ratchet, large socket set and an allen key set (I believe you'll need a 6mm allen key to prevent the strut piston from turning as you undo the top nut.) You'll need a 21 or 22mm socket to undo the top nut. Make sure the socket has a hexed-head on it so you can turn it using a 21 or 22mm open end wrench as you hold the piston stationary using a 6mm allen key. This is self-explanatory as you begin to do the work. A nice electric or air-powered impact gun can also do the job quite nicely.
For installation and torque specifics, consult TIS or a Bentley owners' manual.
Always reuse all washers in correct orientation.
Always replace suspension components in pairs.
Always replace any hardware that is severely corroded or otherwise compromised or damaged.
Always install quality name-brand parts.
Front swaybar endlinks
Chances are your front swaybar endlinks are torn where the rubber boots hold the grease at the balljoints. Replace. Part number 31356780847 (2 per car).
Rear swaybar endlinks
These are typically solid and last a lifetime. Part number 33551094619 (2 per car)
Install tips:
Both front wheels have to be unloaded before you begin to remove/install these. Use one 16mm socket and ratchet and a 16mm open-ended wrench on the other side to counter hold the bolt as you loosen the nut. No special tools are needed. These need to be installed TIGHTLY or you WILL hear a clunk or pop while driving over bumps. I can't stress this enough.
Front swaybar bushings
These definitely need replacing. Worn bushings will compromise the response and stability of side-to-side maneuvering. Two per car:
23.5mm for 4/01+ vehicles with sport package, part number 33556751269
23mm (non-sport?) part number 31351097179.
Note: I ordered 23.5mm bushings but received 23mm bushings. I installed them without any problems. Slightly tighter fit.
Rear swaybar bushings
Rear: 18mm all sedans 4/01+, non-sport sedans up to 4/01, part number: 33551138104
19mm all sedans with sport suspension up to 4/01, part number: 33551094551
20mm for convertibles, people who have upgraded, and I believe XIs, part number 33551096669
Bonus: 20mm rear swaybar part number 33556751267
Stage 2
Control arms
Theres an inner and outer balljoint. Typically the outer balljoint fails first and is encased in nylon (less durable) on non-M and non-ZHP models. It is recommended to replace with ///M ZHP arms or Meyle HD arms.
Control arm left, part number 31126777851
Control arm right, part number 31126777852
Or you can just order the Meyle HD set with brackets, bushings, and new bolts. BMW E46 3-Series Control Arm Kit By Meyle HD 31122343352 & 31122343353
Install tips:
Front of car on jackstands, medium and large pickle forks, plenty of extensions, wobbles, step-down adapters. Access drivers side control arm inner nut from top and passenger side from down below.
Always buy brand new genuine BMW nuts for the control arms (two per arm) part number, 31106774714 x2, and 32216769539 x2. Do not skimp on these. Do not use the ones supplied by Meyle.
Tierods (complete assembly)
Self-explanatory. Any signs of play, damage or leaking of rubber balljoint casing, replace.
Tierod left part number 32211096897
Tierod right part number 32211096898
Tierood boot kit
Two per vehicle, part number 32131096910
Rear trailing arm bushing:
Replace these at 60,000+ miles. Worn bushings will degrade rear-end stability and basically cause your rear wheels to excessively and unexpectedly to steer. You'll notice this especially when accelerating from a stop.
Part number 33326770817 (two per vehicle)
Install tips:
Use MIS RTAB tool. Nothing else. Don't even think about it or attempt it. Use large hose clamp in center of bushing to completely compress the split joint as you begin to press it into the trailing arm. Once in, remove clamp.
Be sure to unclip/unscrew main brake line and associated lines clipped onto the trailing arm. Have heavy duty breaker bar and torque wrench ready with two 18mm sockets. Pre-load bushing carrier by aligning the same way it came out. For me the carrier was lined up PERFECTLY with a line naturally casted into the trailing arm. You'll see what I mean when you eyeball it. Worked like magic.
Get an alignment immediately after. Your toe will be WAY out of spec no matter how much you try to get it lined up perfectly.
Steering Coupler/Flex-Disc/Universal Joint
Part number 32301094703. Apply blue loc-tite when reinstalling the bolts. Make sure threads are cleaned on all bolts and the two splined shafts which the coupler installs on.
Install tips:
Do this part at the same time as the control arm bushings. The reinforcement plate will have to come off.
Stage 3
These require tons of labor and special tools. These are for the pickiest of picky. You'll need an E36/E46 rear axle service kit. Check out my page The Ultimate E46 tool guide for complete list of tools which includes the rear axle kit: http://www.e46mango.com/2016/10/the-ultimate-e46-tool-guide.html
Rear end subframe and rear upper/lower, inner/outer control arms bushings and balljoints.
Rear control arms/trailing arm (except main RTAB because it's listed under stage 2)
33326775551 x2
33326771828 x2
33321092247 x2
33326770824 x2
Subframe:
33316770783 x1
33316770784 x1
33316770781 x2
Differential:
33176770788 x2
33176751808 x1
Differential Bushing Bolts:
33176760337 x2 (Two small diff bolts)
33176760336 x1 (One large diff bolt)
33306760349 x1 (Self-locking nut for large diff bolt)
Stage 1:
Front control arm bushings w/ bracket, part number 31126783376 x 2
Associated hardware:
Bracket bolts (four per car), part number 33306760652 x4 (Meyle HD units come w/ new bolts. If Genuine BMW does too, then no need to order new bolts for the brackets) BMW bushings are great and they maintain the supple yet firm steering feel BMWs are known for. You can take it a step further in both feedback/feel and durability and get a solid rubber design like Meyle HD.
At 50,000+ miles, these bushings are well on their way out, if not completely expired. Symptoms can and will include play in steering at any speed, click/clunk as you sharply apply the brake, or steering wheel vibration under braking or general looseness in the steering.
Install tips:
If you're replacing just the bushings, you'll need a gear puller to separate the bushing and bracket from the end of the control arm. To reinstall, lube up the control arm and bushing with 1 part soap to 20 parts water and firmly tap onto the arm with a rubber mallet. The end of the control arm should be flush with the end of the bushing. Don't tap on too far and don't tap on too little. When you reinstall the reinforcement plate, make sure you purchase 8 new bolts. These are designed to be changed every time you reinstall the plate. They shear in the event of a crash. You don't want to compromise these very crucial items.
Reinforcement plate bolts:
Part number 31106772199 x8
Resources:
http://www.understeer.com/lcab.shtml
Struts and Shocks
Struts are in front, shocks are in back. If you have 50,000 or more miles on your E46, your Original Equipment (OE) Sachs-Boge Struts and Shocks are severely degraded, if not totally blown out. You won't notice this because your BMW is stiffly sprung and sway-barred. It will still ride firm, turn sharply, etc. The struts/shocks are crucial in wheel control. Your directional stability is severely compromised when your struts and shocks are failed. This will also cause excess and uneven tire wear. The parts listed below are OE Sport Suspension units. (I'll probably edit this list to include ZHP as well) Keep in mind these part numbers are for OE/OEM units. Many people, including myself, go aftermarket. Personally I went with Bilstein.
BMW performance ZHP, Strut left, part number 31312282459
BMW performance ZHP, Strut right, part number 31312282460
Sport suspension 9/01+ Strut left, part number 31316750791
Sport suspension 9/01+ right, part number 31316750792
Associated hardware
Strut mount (2 per car), part number 31336752735
Bump stop (2 per car), part number 31306757046
Again, these are for stock replacements. Some people go aftermarket as the firmer shocks tend to eat at and destroy the stock design as it is too flimsy. I went with Rogue Engineering.
Strut tower reinforcement plates (VITAL--must install!) two per car, part number 51717036781
Shocks
Shocks BMW performance ZHP, (2 per car) part number 33522282461
Shocks sport package, (2 per car) part number 33521096366
Shock mount (2 per car), part number 33521092362
Associated hardware
Bump stop (2 per car), part number 33506757047
Paper gasket (2 per car), part number 33526772864
Shock tower reinforcement plates (2 per car), part number 51718413359 (VITAL--must install!)
If your bump stops are in good condition, you may reuse. If soft, deteriorated, or chunks missing just replace it. If you go aftermarket Bilstein, they feature internal bump stops. No need for external bump stops.
Install tips:
Perform this work at your own risk. Do not engage in any work that is beyond your comfort and/or skill level. Always secure car on level ground using quality jackstands. Use quality jacks to lift car only, not support.
You will need a quality set of spring compressors, a variety of heavy-duty tools such as a breaker bar, heavy duty ratchet, large socket set and an allen key set (I believe you'll need a 6mm allen key to prevent the strut piston from turning as you undo the top nut.) You'll need a 21 or 22mm socket to undo the top nut. Make sure the socket has a hexed-head on it so you can turn it using a 21 or 22mm open end wrench as you hold the piston stationary using a 6mm allen key. This is self-explanatory as you begin to do the work. A nice electric or air-powered impact gun can also do the job quite nicely.
For installation and torque specifics, consult TIS or a Bentley owners' manual.
Always reuse all washers in correct orientation.
Always replace suspension components in pairs.
Always replace any hardware that is severely corroded or otherwise compromised or damaged.
Always install quality name-brand parts.
Front swaybar endlinks
Chances are your front swaybar endlinks are torn where the rubber boots hold the grease at the balljoints. Replace. Part number 31356780847 (2 per car).
Rear swaybar endlinks
These are typically solid and last a lifetime. Part number 33551094619 (2 per car)
Install tips:
Both front wheels have to be unloaded before you begin to remove/install these. Use one 16mm socket and ratchet and a 16mm open-ended wrench on the other side to counter hold the bolt as you loosen the nut. No special tools are needed. These need to be installed TIGHTLY or you WILL hear a clunk or pop while driving over bumps. I can't stress this enough.
Front swaybar bushings
These definitely need replacing. Worn bushings will compromise the response and stability of side-to-side maneuvering. Two per car:
23.5mm for 4/01+ vehicles with sport package, part number 33556751269
23mm (non-sport?) part number 31351097179.
Note: I ordered 23.5mm bushings but received 23mm bushings. I installed them without any problems. Slightly tighter fit.
Rear swaybar bushings
Rear: 18mm all sedans 4/01+, non-sport sedans up to 4/01, part number: 33551138104
19mm all sedans with sport suspension up to 4/01, part number: 33551094551
20mm for convertibles, people who have upgraded, and I believe XIs, part number 33551096669
Bonus: 20mm rear swaybar part number 33556751267
Stage 2
Control arms
Theres an inner and outer balljoint. Typically the outer balljoint fails first and is encased in nylon (less durable) on non-M and non-ZHP models. It is recommended to replace with ///M ZHP arms or Meyle HD arms.
Control arm left, part number 31126777851
Control arm right, part number 31126777852
Or you can just order the Meyle HD set with brackets, bushings, and new bolts. BMW E46 3-Series Control Arm Kit By Meyle HD 31122343352 & 31122343353
Install tips:
Front of car on jackstands, medium and large pickle forks, plenty of extensions, wobbles, step-down adapters. Access drivers side control arm inner nut from top and passenger side from down below.
Always buy brand new genuine BMW nuts for the control arms (two per arm) part number, 31106774714 x2, and 32216769539 x2. Do not skimp on these. Do not use the ones supplied by Meyle.
Tierods (complete assembly)
Self-explanatory. Any signs of play, damage or leaking of rubber balljoint casing, replace.
Tierod left part number 32211096897
Tierod right part number 32211096898
Tierood boot kit
Two per vehicle, part number 32131096910
Rear trailing arm bushing:
Replace these at 60,000+ miles. Worn bushings will degrade rear-end stability and basically cause your rear wheels to excessively and unexpectedly to steer. You'll notice this especially when accelerating from a stop.
Part number 33326770817 (two per vehicle)
Install tips:
Use MIS RTAB tool. Nothing else. Don't even think about it or attempt it. Use large hose clamp in center of bushing to completely compress the split joint as you begin to press it into the trailing arm. Once in, remove clamp.
Be sure to unclip/unscrew main brake line and associated lines clipped onto the trailing arm. Have heavy duty breaker bar and torque wrench ready with two 18mm sockets. Pre-load bushing carrier by aligning the same way it came out. For me the carrier was lined up PERFECTLY with a line naturally casted into the trailing arm. You'll see what I mean when you eyeball it. Worked like magic.
Get an alignment immediately after. Your toe will be WAY out of spec no matter how much you try to get it lined up perfectly.
Steering Coupler/Flex-Disc/Universal Joint
Part number 32301094703. Apply blue loc-tite when reinstalling the bolts. Make sure threads are cleaned on all bolts and the two splined shafts which the coupler installs on.
Install tips:
Do this part at the same time as the control arm bushings. The reinforcement plate will have to come off.
Stage 3
These require tons of labor and special tools. These are for the pickiest of picky. You'll need an E36/E46 rear axle service kit. Check out my page The Ultimate E46 tool guide for complete list of tools which includes the rear axle kit: http://www.e46mango.com/2016/10/the-ultimate-e46-tool-guide.html
Rear end subframe and rear upper/lower, inner/outer control arms bushings and balljoints.
Rear control arms/trailing arm (except main RTAB because it's listed under stage 2)
33326775551 x2
33326771828 x2
33321092247 x2
33326770824 x2
Subframe:
33316770783 x1
33316770784 x1
33316770781 x2
Differential:
33176770788 x2
33176751808 x1
Differential Bushing Bolts:
33176760337 x2 (Two small diff bolts)
33176760336 x1 (One large diff bolt)
33306760349 x1 (Self-locking nut for large diff bolt)
