BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Refresh DIY (Trailing Arm Bushings, Camber Arms, Differential Mounts)

►Keeping up with your BMW E46 M3's rear subframe is an essential part of the ownership process, especially when it's prone to cracks and failures. In this video, Gareth Foley, our BMW catalog manager, is here to take you through the process of refreshing the rear subframe as well as some components around it including the differential mounts, trailing arm bearings, and camber arms.
The differential cover bushings are not a serviceable item per BMW meaning if the bushings have failed you will be required to replace the entire cover as a unit. This differential mount kit from Revshift includes new bushings for the differential cover, as well as the mount, pressed on the subframe.
Syncro Design Works' rear trailing arm bearing updates and improves the rear suspension in BMW 3-Series E36 and E46, and Z4, by eliminating binding and deflection through adding precision and longevity. Syncro Design Works RTAB's utilize an OE developed bearing, designed for long-life while offering full articulation for optimal suspension geometry.
Your camber will always change when you lower a car. Often times, it is impossible to get correct alignment with the factory cam bolts and control arms. For this reason, Eibach built this kit to allow for a wide range of adjustment that will help improve the adjustability of your BMW's alignment but will also help get the best performance possible performance from pre-existing suspension mods. Additionally, adding this kit will also help cut down on excessive tire wear that can occur when you lower a vehicle.
Read this DIY on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-overh...
Shop the parts used in this video here:
Synchro Design WorksTrailing Arm Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Revshift Differential Mount Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Eibach Camber Arm Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Bushing Removal/Install Tool: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
You will need the following tools for this job:
25-inch crowbar
12-inch crowbar
24oz mallet
32oz ball peen
24oz ball peen
Metal file
Brass punch
1/2 inch torque wrench
1/2 Flex head
1/4 Flex head
1/2 inch flex head stubby
10" 3/8 extension
10" 1/2 extension
Large & small channel lock pliers
Pliers
Side cutters
Needle nose pliers
Various picks
Screwdrivers
16mm stubby ratcheting wrench
13mm stubby ratcheting wrench
12mm stubby ratcheting wrench
17mm stubby ratcheting wrench
19mm stubby ratcheting wrench
12mm box end ratcheting wrench
11mm box end ratcheting wrench
10mm box end ratcheting wrench
13mm box end ratcheting wrench
16 box end ratcheting wrench
18mm box end ratcheting wrench
19mm box end ratcheting wrench
21mm box end ratcheting wrench
14mm wrench
16mm wrench
17mm wrench
18mm wrench
19mm wrench
24mm wrench
27mm wrench
E12 socket
E14 socket
E16 socket
8mm socket
10mm socket
13mm socket
16mm socket
17mm socket
19mm socket
22mm socket
6mm six-point
7mm six-point
8mm impact socket
9mm impact socket
12mm impact socket
13mm impact socket
16mm impact socket
17mm impact socket
18mm impact socket
19mm impact socket
21mm impact socket
22mm impact socket
30mm impact socket
This DIY Applies To The Following Vehicles:
BMW M3
2001 BMW M3
2002 BMW M3
2003 BMW M3
2004 BMW M3
2005 BMW M3
2006 BMW M3
BMW Z4
2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster
2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe
2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe
2007 BMW Z4 M Roadster
2008 BMW Z4 M Roadster
2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe
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[@fcpeuro]

Shop the parts used in this video here: Synchro Design WorksTrailing Arm Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-trailing-arm-monoball-kit-syncro-design-works-rtab%20? Revshift Differential Mount Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-differential-mount-80a-revshift-pdbe46m80a%20? Eibach Camber Arm Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-pro-alignment-kit-steel-5-67110k?

[@alkalineph9446]

Hey, show some love to the E38 and please do a similar video. No one has a video on changing the self leveling valve/lines.

[@jordans1022]

Every time I watch this video and I hear you say "This is really a 2 day job" I reflect back on the 3 months I have been working on this (with reinforcements).

[@fcpeuro]

😓

[@christophertrace1307]

Outstanding video, no crappy music, no dude who thinks he's funny trying to be my friend, just the work that needs to be done. I'm going to watch them all. Thanks

[@carolettajames5471]

i agree......

[@MrTcheisejr]

Fantastic Video, I am currently doing all this work on my 330ci, and this has been indispensable. Keep these videos coming!

[@ritamo68]

85 to 95 percent of the work on my M3 is I do myself, thank you for highlighting the other 15, unless The good Lord blesses me with a lift, I'll gladly pay to have this work done...gladly.

[@archie9026]

These e46m3 look sooooo good...makes me smile each time I see them;) thanks for sharing

[@craigevanson8063]

Your videos are the best, clear and thorough.....Thanks Gareth!

[@DWI_Community]

Awesome video guys... I'm half way through putting mine back together. Installed the subframe and diff, without first doing the spring perch arm. FAIL. Now done it all over again. I wish I had seen your vid earlier - would have saved me a lot of time!

[@nofilter2091]

That was an amazing video, much more work to replace those than I ever thought. Thanks again for taking the time to document the process! WHEW

[@jesseortega8598]

Holy cow! What a Job! But it had to be done! Awesome Work! Thanks for making this video! I'm about to Do the Sam thing to my 05 E46 330 Ci! I ordered Powerflex bushings! If I need extra hardware! I'll come back to your video for reference! Keep up the great work! And keep making these cool and informative videos!

[@victorogorman660]

Thanks sforza spending the time to make this video and very well done all this is very helpful for a lot of people. Thanks again.

[@charleswoodbury852]

Man, I love all of you'll videos. I wish you could work on my car and do a full front and rear suspension job. Thanks for all!!

[@errminor3044]

If somebody can do it his garage DIY, he can have my respect. Nice job really

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks so much!

[@chimpmunkboy8850]

This is an advanced DIY, trying to figure out how much of a headache I want for my e36

[@nf4733]

Best channel ever, detail, patient.

[@michaeljohnson112]

Incredible video man... I can't tell you how much this has helped to clarify all of the wear components there are in the suspension of an E46. Working towards piecing together a parts list for my 2005 330i ZHP so that I can do (or have a friend do lol) all of the front and rear suspension wear components. I still have a decent amount of research to do, but I'm looking for I guess what you described as a "OEM+" feel since I've ruined cars in the past by going too much on the race side of things. This content is amazing, keep them coming and I will keep watching, and giving you more money for parts lol

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching Michael! It definitely can be quite difficult finding all the bushings and suspension components that have to be replaced on these cars - luckily, the E46's design is quite simple compared to others. As far as what Gareth meant by an OEM+ feel - he was referencing the fact that the bushings used in this video will provide better performance (bit more lockdown of the parts and less "give" in the bushings for a sportier feel) but will introduce just a slight bit more NVH into the cabin. Choosing these parts won't "ruin" the comfort and drivability of a street car at all.

[@sweetsuductress]

Even though i dont own an e46 m3, i still enjoyed watching this video.

[@embeddedproductions]

Long time watcher first time commenter. Would love to see a video about replacing the starter! Thaks for the awesome parts and content y'all.

[@stanced5531]

Ive always used a pair of pliers to remove the retaining clip on the caliper. I’ve been doing it wrong the whole time.. you learn something new everyday😂

[@johnhanson9245]

That was a huge job. Well done

[@user-qy2is5dc1b]

Gareth is a beast.

[@neilstewart1208]

Just a year too late for me!!! it would have saved me so much time watching this, really good informative and accurate.

[@fcpeuro]

Sorry NEIL! Had we known we woulda chalked up this project for last year ^.^ well now at least if you ever have to do it again... you can reference this

[@neilstewart1208]

@@fcpeuro Ha Ha!

[@philiplee7604]

Gareth, Have to say, you really know your stuff... If we’re honest, not really a DIY job, best left to a professional ( like yourself ) to ensure it’s done right.

[@fcpeuro]

Philip Lee its certainly not for the feint of heart, but hopefully even if its not this job you or anyone else decides to tackle you're still able to pickup some tips and tricks for some things that pertain to it. Thanks for watching we appreciate the support!

[@deangayon8442]

I love my E46 and the DYI attributes and supportive community, but I agree this may be beyond my DYI abilities, but if I decide to tackle this task (and can arrange an alternate commute to work for a week or two) THIS is the detailed guide I'll follow!

[@stephenw7298]

Great job Gareth and appreciate all of the tips for us mere mortals. Please keep these types of videos coming.

[@fcpeuro]

There's plenttyyy more G nuggets of knowledge on the way!

[@PPJl]

Thank you very much for the video, it will be perfect if a clean up of the dirty pieces be cleaned.

[@2Jupiter]

Professional Job Many recommendations, tricks and tips for disassembly and assembly to get things in place.🙃🤔 and I see how tough it can be to get it fixed. He is hard-working. Great job! 👍😊 Dude, Subtitles! 🙉

[@rfalco627]

Highly recommend spending the money for the subframe removal tool-M3 specific. Those bushing are seized in and this tool (Baum?) made removal a breeze. Your other (and popular) alternative is melting the bushing with a torch then hacksawing the race out of the subframe

[@jasoneyes01]

Nice work Gareth! Awesome shop!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Jason! Glad you like it!

[@vitekvvvy5075]

Great diy Need a video of bleeding the clutch and how it works in one reservoir tank shared

[@blackmancer]

Thanks so much for videos like this, all the best.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for wrenching with us!

[@bavarian3]

One note for this video is about the E-brake. Should really be advising to take the lines from the cabin. Try to pull the line with ferrul through the subframe tunnel is nonsensical. I don't even want to see how it is pushing it back through. Perhaps I missed it but seems that part was left out =). Thanks for all the amazing content and parts service.

[@twinturbo8304]

will get my parts thru u since .your vids are well done

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you so much!

[@alherch]

Great video, seriously a ton of work but well worth it. Wouldn't bother without a lift haha. I'd probably replace as many wear parts as possible if I took this on.

[@fcpeuro]

Undoubtedly a lift makes this job a bit more approachable. With enough time and patience its doable lifted off the ground on jack stands, just takes a few more days of pizza and beer 😂

[@declanmceleney7429]

Dude, use eye protection when using a wire wheel on a drill 🙈

[@startingtech3900]

just subbed! thank you so much for the savings w my thermostat and fuel filter!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to help Starting Tech, we appreciate the support!

[@startingtech3900]

FCP Euro gonna buy a water pump and lower hose as well as abs sensor soon! Huge order incoming ! I need an fcp euro sticker!

[@betatester2560]

loved that :) salutes from the uk

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertaldridge6358]

Why would you not clean up the frame and paint it after going through the effort you did? Great video, thorough, and very informative.

[@dumbeezy5480]

time

[@empireStyle]

its not HIS car...he is paid to do specific work.......you only go the extra mile if its your own car

[@jooky87]

Awesome vid, need to do this to my e39 528i

[@annatorne7063]

legend!!!!

[@marloneatstreet]

You tha man G!!!

[@JR-fi7qq]

Great stuff guys ! Just made a purchase at fcp euro the other day !

[@holderproduction6968]

my guy is a champ, not even 10 minutes in and he is drenched in his sweat.

[@JB-ex8kl]

Yeah, so what!

[@loengunblade]

Please do a test drive video. With after comments since before may not be filmed.

[@fcpeuro]

loengunblade you're right, we had wanted to do a before and after comparison but once the job was finished up and we realized how long it was we didn't end up doing it. I'm sure we can make a follow up video though!

[@ioanliviu22]

I definitely learned something. RWD is a pain way deep in the ass. I don't wanna have to do all this on my 330xi, ever 😭😭😭 Great job and video though 👍👍👍

[@NWGarage]

Super darn great video

[@eduki]

I must correct you about the differential cover bushings. BMW just offers the whole cover as replacement for the E46 M3, but the E36 M3 differential cover bushings are the same size, and these are fully replaceable and you can buy them separately and swap them at the old E46 M3 diff cover plate.

[@Shaghle07]

Hi Gareth. I am doing a complete rear end refresh and planning to use the adjustable rear camber arms as well as I had a seized eccentric bolt in the balljoint and will be slightly lowering the suspension. May you please provide the part number for the non eccentric bolts used? I notice it needs to have a sleeve portion for the bushing and threaded end however not sure how to find it on the fcp site. Thank you!

[@elbassaraghii5744]

Thanks so much🫐😎

[@eduki]

Awesome work and explanations, you made look easy this hard work. Are you tall? Because I see that you're not completely straight while working under the car lift, and I usually have the same problem, would like to have more free room for my 6' 4" :D

[@user-cq1ek5mn2u]

Oh my God 🙈 great job

[@wissemdziri5139]

Good job 👍

[@poleposition3065]

That little impact is tremendous.

[@fcpeuro]

It does some serious work. One of our favorite tools in the box for sure

[@jayparnes]

@@fcpeuro 1/2" stubby?

[@fcpeuro]

@@jayparnes yupp, pure gold, super lightweight too.

[@Beemergirl89]

You are not joking that this was a big job!

[@fcpeuro]

No small undertaking Beemerboy88 , but totally worth it 😬

[@andreyyanev8866]

Awesome video!!! Thank you!!!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks Andrey, you're pretty awesome yourself, thank YOU

[@victorkaminski1747]

good job !

[@BestMotorWerks]

Nice job...keep going

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks a lot, we definitely will!

[@averyc7492]

17:00 for those watching, don’t waste your time removing parking break cables back-to-front. It is a major PITA to get them off the trailing arm in the first place and then if you have my luck, the cables will NOT physically fit through the subframe channels. Like there is no way. The channel on the subframe is about 0.5mm smaller in diameter than the large metal end of the parking break cable. Just remove them front to back and save yourself 2 hours.

[@roberttarring8621]

How do u keep note of what nuts and bolts went where , I know I’d end up in a mess 😅

[@daggrag]

is the top ball joint same as lower bushing on trailing arm? non m3, i mean can i use same tools for removing and installing.

[@leored79]

To get to that difficult nut, BMW recommends getting at it from above with an extension...

[@y2ksierra]

Great video but that was a lot of work to avoid removing two 10mm nuts in the interior.

[@465painkiller465]

Not really the way it works. If detached from inside it still has to come out from the subframe and the chassi

[@rickhaupt1895]

Gareth - thanks for the show-and-tell! Can you specify the Baum Tool for the subframe by number?

[@fcpeuro]

Here ya go Rick! www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-subframe-mount-removal-and-installation-tool-baum-b334140 . Its also designed so that you can remove the subframe mounts without actually removing the entire subframe.

[@daviddebuhr8995]

Another killer how to by Gareth. Just add a German accent and they will be perfect. ;-)

[@kiczy2726]

Can I use those parts on a regular 328ci e46?

[@ChaseM3]

Are these the wrong diff bushings ? I see online these that were installed in the video are for the e36

[@AndrewKidd14145]

Hit the set screw for the rotors with a hammer, loosen the rust and the bolt a bit

[@amit6430]

Thanks sir pls upload fr subframe removal and engine removal of bmw 5 series

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching Amir. Unfortunately that video won't be coming soon in the pipeline but we'll try to help any other ways we can!

[@pakiki]

Great job. I haven’t watched the whole video, just skipped around to gather inspiration. So in case I missed: Does this job apply to e46 non M models as well ? Thanks you very much for this.

[@john-vy1ml]

I believe it does apply to non m3

[@azjolol]

the only thing that's not M3 specific is the forward differential mount which is different

[@mrmonday42]

How many miles were on the M3 when you did this work?

[@Sintaj.]

Is this process similar to a 330Ci?

[@adnankksehick1513]

Anyone know a good shop in Tampa Bay Area to do this job?

[@ahwee77329]

where did you buy the mat?? the really big one on the ground that covers the entire vehicle.? would like to know thanks. good video as always

[@fcpeuro]

That matt is from ULINE. Part # H-2345.

[@robertthrem3382]

Why didn't you put the air gun on that stuck bolt on both sides ??

[@vacuums16]

USA m3's come with a different exhaust rear box... ? And different rear disks/rotor's.....? Why ?

[@golfdigest2658]

Live in CT not too far from FCP. Any local shops you would recommend taking my E46 M3 to when it comes to getting work like this done if I am uncomfortable tackling?

[@nick_santini]

I do everything myself, but I have heard good things about Innovative Motorsports (Milford), Helmuts garage (Milford) and Excelerate performance (Branford). I am sure there are many more

[@michaelt6177]

Great videos. Can u tell me how long it would take to replace 2 bushings?

[@fcpeuro]

Which two bushings, Michael?

[@wreckt2751]

It’d be nice to get a look a your personal E36

[@fcpeuro]

We think there will be a lot more E36 content coming from Gareth Foley this fall, check out his channel to find a few pieces that he's already uploaded. kzbin.info

[@veljkostejic9594]

Could'ev just heated it up but I guess cutting works as well

[@kouki_integra]

I would like to see more e92 content 🙏🏾

[@fcpeuro]

More coming soon! We already have plenty of E9X content on the channel if you check out some of our other uploads 👍

[@ramongambino1977]

I'm doing the same upgrades

[@fcpeuro]

Let us know what you think when you're finished!

[@Oonnyyxx80]

Anybody knows torque for the three bolts in the pocket? Awesome vid btw!!!

[@fcpeuro]

For the trailing arm bracket to the body, you are looking at 57flbs (77NM)

[@Oonnyyxx80]

@@fcpeuro thanks!! You guys are the best

[@andru12qw]

Gareth, are you a fan of AVE?? "Engage safety squints!"

[@GarethFoley]

I sure am.

[@AhmadAli-zj5rp]

😮

[@nathanbonavia9803]

hi can you give me advice regarding change power flex bushes or make original bushes for subframe bmw e46 e36 m3

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Nathan, that will all be dependent on the type of ride you want to get out of your M3, and what you will be using it for. In this case, the M3 we used will be seeing some autocross and track days from time to time, so the owner wanted to upgrade. However, if you are looking for a standard OE replacement, we stock bushings would be the way to go!

[@andrewla98]

whats the bushing removal tool called that one makes it so much easier

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching Andrew - here's the tool we used www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-subframe-mount-removal-and-installation-tool-baum-b334140?

[@ChaseM3]

I purchased these same diff bushings from fcp it said they are for the 46 m3 and now on the website it says there for the e36…

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Chase, per the listing on the monoball kit: Includes two spherical monoball trailing arm bushings, the ultimate performance solution to trailing arms on E36, E46, E85/E86 BMW's :)

[@azjolol]

could anyone clarify - he torqued the RTAB mounting plate without angling it correctly or accounting for load direct- was this acceptable because of the upgraded ball joint and its ability to rotate??? or was this wrong as I'm thinking

[@465painkiller465]

Thought of that too. Repair manual says to torque it angled to the bearing

[@justas6686]

what condition was theses olds subframe and diferencial bushes??

[@fcpeuro]

They were pretty worn out!

[@GarthGoldberg]

This looks like a somewhat challenging job even for a pro with a lift. To do in the driveway on jackstands? I don't know.

[@fcpeuro]

Plenty of patience, pizza, time, and a friend helps immensely Garth!

[@chrislittle7286]

@@fcpeuroany reason why you couldn't have reassembled the entire rear off the vehicle and lifted it all as a unit, the same way you pulled it off?

[@465painkiller465]

@@chrislittle7286 Some do do that.

[@harrycarter1722]

Wow! When my mechanic said going into differential would cost more than car..... I thought he meant transmission. /his may be worse.

[@JoeCoool59]

I notice that you’ve replaced the rear springs, but you don’t talk about why or what to look for. My rear suspension seems to be sagging or at least too low. The tires were damaged by contact with the body.

[@fcpeuro]

For rear springs, sagging is a huge indicator they need to be changed (you'll also want to insoect shocks for oil leakage or that they're compressed) If the tires were damaged its possible your shocks are allowing for too much tarvel on a bouncy spring

[@Beyond-Repair]

@@fcpeuro It's my understanding that to get the right springs, there's a VIN table in the BMW ETK. Can you help with this or is all that really necessary?

[@fcpeuro]

@@Beyond-Repair you can contact us at [e-mail] and we can ensure you're getting the right springs per your vin.

[@R55LSD]

So much easier to pull handbrake cables from the front and leave rear brakes intact...

[@rodolfocervantes3229]

Besides the parts, how much would this cost labor wise?

[@jrodz808]

I’m wondering the same thing

[@robertt1906]

Is there a difference between non m and m subframes?

[@bryantharris5914]

Subframe looks the same, the diff is slightly different on my 330c, directionally it's the same.

[@brabham9782]

Schwitzt auch wie wild .....😁👌👍

[@adiitsuu]

How much for the whole charade, labour + parts?

[@X11CHASE]

Probably at least 2-4K

[@adiitsuu]

@@X11CHASE not bad 🤔

[@alexg689]

Where tf do you find an e21 torx at??

[@fcpeuro]

ooof unfortunately its usually one that comes in a specialty set, we have a few on the site www.fcpeuro.com/Parts/?keywords=torx

[@BruceAllentools]

Great vid. Get that blood pressure checked!

[@Acinc-lr2jp]

How long did this actually take?

[@fcpeuro]

always tough to say, it will vary from vehcile to vehicle depending on corrosion etc

[@danielinacar]

You don't have to disassemble the caliper from the caliper bracket. Just remove the bracket and the caliper comes with it

[@fcpeuro]

Great tip, Greg!

[@tosinn364]

Yeap

[@saganworshipper6062]

THIS........BUT...... for E90 Please!

[@fcpeuro]

We dont disagree Saga Worshipper... lets see what we can do.

[@saganworshipper6062]

@@fcpeuro Ok cool, let me know if you need an E90 lol. I know I know you don't work on customers cars ...but I'm only 15 minutes away :)