BMW E46 Suspension Common Problems & Overview

[@zekebrott7130]

I must've referred to this video 20 different times, and I learned something new every time. Definitely recommending!

[@LukesGamePage]

Me too 💎

[@kasus123]

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.

[@tommetje1996]

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)

[@MrNomNom24]

Love these e46 videos! They help me out a lot, Thank you!

[@mosesg.5359]

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

[@shakze3]

Moses G. Did you figure out what the issue was as I have a similar clunk

[@joanortega37]

Did it fix it??

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

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.

[@bernardbarbour]

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.

[@brcc8208]

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.

[@111991G]

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

[@3rdpartyU5er]

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.

[@deafdeadfishfloating]

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).

[@theeltea]

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. :)

[@deafdeadfishfloating]

Shifter contact with those 'short shifter' models, or upgrades perhaps. Even 'stiff' rear mounts look good until matched along side new ones.

[@thumpertorque_]

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.

[@DavidMassieux]

Probably one of the best videos out there for E46s, thanks a lot for the work!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it helped!

[@friguy4444]

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!!

[@ShopLifeTV]

That's awesome man! And definitely get the cracks welded and the plates installed ASAP!

[@CompraRightNJ]

Your BMW videos are some of the best on KZbin. I wish you did a few on the F30's. Thank you!

[@Dicer328]

Great overview with advice. Excellent on target camera work also. 12:20 I think you meant Differential and not Driveshaft.

[@ShopLifeTV]

haha I sure did! Thanks for watching

[@bonnieb3232]

ShopLifeTV

[@GoingShirtless]

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.

[@TravelMates93]

My 320ci hits soon 200k km, nice to see somebody cares about these beauties of E46es!

[@liqingzhao6055]

i have an e46 330 ci. i learn a lot about my car on your channel. great video.

[@truedesi3839]

Great video brother, I have E90, lost steering razor sharpness after hitting a bump, thank God you came back to NC. Thanks.

[@HIPfreez226]

This is just what I needed, I have a mysterious knock I cannot figure out, thank you!

[@Dd-mt5ol]

what knock was it ? what part

[@davidspano1]

AWESOME VIDEO MAN!!! im constantly you-tubing e46 stuff, and you cleared so much stuff up for me , Cheers Bud ;)

[@Hammaneggs88]

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

[@CrackinDutches]

Bro i LOVE this channel Would you be able to make a video on how to change the oil pan gasket?

[@TheRedcroatian]

You have a leak or just doing preventive maintenance?

[@e4t662]

Excellent and informative once again, keep it up!

[@jonathandonaldson7997]

Think I'll be watching all the E46 videos now haha

[@jmas2190]

Great video e46 are my fav 98 to 2005 best body style in my opinion could do a lot with them 👍

[@soconoha]

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.

[@hungrychowhound11612]

thanks for all the info you bring to KZbin. 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..

[@thumpertorque_]

+hungrychowhound11612 Did you ever have the subframe cracking issue?

[@ShopLifeTV]

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.

[@EuroSixSpeed]

Thank you for your videos. I'm going to buy a higher mileage E46 for daily duty, and this channel has everything I need.

[@negritorican]

Amazing video....I am sure you saved people thousands of dollars with this video. Thanks!

[@BillyRogan]

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

[@konagang4234]

Going to buy a E46 in 2 weeks or so:)))

[@samobalco5744]

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

[@zigo1965]

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.

[@schraubenschussel]

E46 Expert - Love these Vids!

[@thumpertorque_]

Do you know how to check the subframe cracking before buying without taking it to a shop?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Just posted a vid on this.

[@thumpertorque_]

ShopLifeTV Oh great! I was waiting for this.

[@jonzxcv]

Nice to see new videos rolling in. Keep it up!

[@edwilko8819]

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 :-)

[@bignedkelly9121]

E36 and E46 are just stunning !!

[@skyebarn2468]

my boyfriend and I just drove my 325xi from Ohio to California:) great video.

[@archangels4you593]

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

[@mediadeath4396]

informative, indepth good grasp of preventative measures A+

[@Tiago-si5uo]

You should be in Lisbon (Portugal) 😊 Always nice videos !!!

[@4200time]

thanks man was just looking under mine today wishing it was on a lift . very helpful vid

[@aaronbligh3619]

Thanks for sharing with us all. ✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@frankcalvaruso1543]

wish you lived in Florida... very educational , great video

[@davidfrench9869]

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

[@darsturdy9268]

YOUNGSTER KNOWS ALOT AMAZING!!!

[@floridaheat305]

ankur your videos are awesome man you helped me a lot with my car

[@ShopLifeTV]

Awesome glad I could help!

[@carslover3509]

thanks friend great information

[@TheFlyingDutchMan8K]

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

[@andreiestera777]

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.

[@frankthehero4606]

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 ?

[@theeltea]

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

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for your time with this matter. I have to do this soon.

[@Dannywaffels]

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

[@PalaminoHills]

How did you learn so much about this car? I'm impressed! Thank you!

[@UBBERTANKER]

broken springs in the rear is common around here (rust belt)

[@Alex454ss70]

Awsome videos bro! Keep up the good work!👍

[@notpinhead3514]

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?

[@paulvicks1336]

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.

[@prebird]

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?

[@Khan_Art_]

Any plans on making a video for rear adjustable camber arms for E46? I have that as a future modification on my E46M.

[@MTMnet2008]

Great video! What are the symptoms for warn out front control arms? (Not the bushing)

[@klipperhandz]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS , HERE I CAN LEARN STEP BY STEP BRO I REALLY APRECIATED

[@twinturborotary_diecast]

just bought an e36 m3 and subbed trying to learn more great information

[@jorgecosta95]

@ShopLifeTV usually what brand do you use on suspension stuff? I've been using Meyle HD and Lemforder. Cheers from Portugal

[@autotech1467]

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

[@thumpertorque_]

Since you're also an experienced mechanic, what are some technical schools should I consider?

[@allenbowman3546]

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.

[@thumpertorque_]

Allen Bowman Nice, thanks for the info.

[@ShopLifeTV]

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.

[@ShopLifeTV]

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!

[@gentoolive]

Thanks, always enjoy the vids.

[@johnsimpson7349]

thanks man I've learned a lot from you

[@regrock100]

I actually at first didn't think I was going to like the video, but it was actually very informative. I have an issue where my 2003 E46 shakes excessively at about 54mph and then kind of levels off at 61mph. What do you think is the cause of this? Also, do you have separate video's where you change out the suspension items? I'm going to try to do most of it without taking to shop and without a lift.

[@fazrulrusdi3709]

Looks like wheel balancing problem

[@jasonld]

Same car and issue. Mine was wheel alignment and wheel balancing.

[@regrock100]

I figured it out. I changed my tie rods and it solved my problem

[@gokhanamic.j.4272]

Awesome video, I learned a lot! Thanks man

[@GurjVirdee]

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

[@vipinahuja2996]

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.

[@shannon4968]

Thank u

[@gilsot123able]

Quick question my e46 keeps making a grinding noise at about 1800-2k rpm on acceleration only or when turning right at that same rpm level? Please help senpai!

[@Viski33]

Do you have Xdrive?

[@robtoyos76]

Awesome tutorials, thanks man!!

[@albertfranco6119]

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!!

[@Anonymous-ic3db]

Any advice for creaking noise from the front suspension when turning the steering wheel when stopped or low speed turning?

[@stephanlindsay1590]

Have the same problem

[@curtdawg4435]

Had same problem, I replaced lower control arms and ball joints. Parts from Amazon cheap

[@danielbrunn5557]

My right rear tire is leaning in and a shop said it might be my upper control arm? is that likely to bend or break

[@MrStrezzo]

Very nice, thanks for good explaining.

[@MrClarck100]

wouldn't it be better to change the rubber bushings for polyurethane bushings ones, wouldn't they last longer than rubber bushings?

[@cbinder511]

Clarck Pieters That's what I did for my car👍🏼

[@H3YdUD3]

the original bushes from bmw have lasted over 10 years (100,000 miles). in theory poly bushes would last longer but are you really gonna keep your car for another decade.

[@MrClarck100]

if it's in good running condition why not, I'll pass it to my daughter when she starts to drive. I will be replacing my front arms in a couple of weeks when they get here and I'll get polyurethane bushings we only put 93k miles the car so she's got long some more to go.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Here's the thing when you upgrade the rubber bushings to poly bushings you will feel a difference, for some people they may like the added stiffness and "performance", but for some they might be too much. It all depends, for people that are using the car as a daily driver and not really tracking the car I recommend normal rubber bushings as they are comfortable and cost effective.

[@notsure3331]

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

[@ghostshadow6628]

Always awesome, nicely Done.

[@kingofkings2934]

covered a lot of good information! thanks

[@eddypadilla7378]

really good advise, love the videos and toy explain everything to make it fairly easy to do the job, thanks!

[@ricktobin8297]

2001 look how beautiful it looks. Reminded me of prom night oil included. Wow Bmw is sexy

[@HV71851]

What causes the steering to wobble and pull to the right while driving?

[@Isinful74]

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

[@quartznation9499]

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

[@austindamrel8795]

Great video bro!

[@Lauritsen24]

Can you make a video about the hard brake lines how to replace does ?

[@CrazyOneToo]

Do you have a DIY video to replace E46 rear control arm/bushings?

[@pastytit]

Excellent channel. Subbed.

[@ridgearmstrong6792]

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

[@ABGaming-uf2po]

Thank god for theses videos

[@diclonyus7]

Great video! I have abnormal wear tire on the rear of my e46 M3, I have replaced both control arms; what can be happening on the rear.?

[@daineserider]

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?

[@ShopLifeTV]

The problems are similar engine and trans wise for the m54, the n52 are mainly water pump issues.

[@marianoviking]

Amazing videos mate,one question,what causes the squeky noise every time i go trough a bump,very annoying,thank you!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Could be strut mounts, or sway bar link, or sway bar bushing.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Or even control arm and bushings

[@marianoviking]

Oh god,so many options,its not the mounts tho,as they are brand new,thanks a lot brother!

[@cristintring3012]

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?

[@gedis5038]

Really great job, really informative, u got a sub m8, keep it up :)