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 💎

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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??

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@DavidMassieux]

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

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it helped!

[@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.

[@CompraRightNJ]

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

[@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!

[@liqingzhao6055]

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

[@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

[@TravelMates93]

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

[@davidspano1]

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

[@e4t662]

Excellent and informative once again, keep it up!

[@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

[@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?

[@jmas2190]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :-)

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@mediadeath4396]

informative, indepth good grasp of preventative measures A+

[@bignedkelly9121]

E36 and E46 are just stunning !!

[@konagang4234]

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

[@skyebarn2468]

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

[@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.

[@floridaheat305]

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

[@ShopLifeTV]

Awesome glad I could help!

[@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

[@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.

[@4200time]

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

[@jonathandonaldson7997]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@Alex454ss70]

Awsome videos bro! Keep up the good work!👍

[@darsturdy9268]

YOUNGSTER KNOWS ALOT AMAZING!!!

[@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

[@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

[@Tiago-si5uo]

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

[@frankcalvaruso1543]

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

[@carslover3509]

thanks friend great information

[@David-yh5po]

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

[@PalaminoHills]

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

[@gentoolive]

Thanks, always enjoy the vids.

[@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?

[@aaronbligh3619]

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

[@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

[@eddypadilla7378]

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

[@UBBERTANKER]

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

[@klipperhandz]

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

[@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.

[@twinturborotary_diecast]

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

[@Gushanos]

I have a 2002 E46 Touring on Eibach Springs rear left wheel is rubbing Have rolled and pulled the fender and it still rubs and im not running a large wheel what donyou think can be causing this?

[@gokhanamic.j.4272]

Awesome video, I learned a lot! Thanks man

[@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.

[@MTMnet2008]

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

[@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

[@rixjundi]

My 05 E46 tramlines and "floats" badly.. I've changed the tires, control arms, tie rods, the rack, struts, sway bar links, steering coupler, yet I can't tighten the steering.. ive also done several 4 wheel alignments at different shops.. Any ideas?

[@johnsimpson7349]

thanks man I've learned a lot from you

[@ricktobin8297]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@MaynardKrebs-rp4ov]

I have a 2004 e46, I removed the driver side front strut, compressed the spring. The mount was free spinning, I inserted a hex wrench in the top of shaft and tried to get the mount off. Nothing doing, any ideas how to get the mount off. It looked like there was a nut on the shaft but it was just round no sides.

[@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

[@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

[@rozinageorge1859]

Hi I liked your videos. Do you have video of changing oil pan gasket on 325xi 2002 BMW.

[@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.

[@ABGaming-uf2po]

Thank god for theses videos

[@gedis5038]

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

[@MrStrezzo]

Very nice, thanks for good explaining.

[@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

[@robtoyos76]

Awesome tutorials, thanks man!!

[@stephenclayton2383]

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

[@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?

[@Lauritsen24]

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

[@corybeall6825]

I bought 04 545 with front suspension damage I'm not sire what's wrong with just know the guy said the regular tire won't fit so it has a donut on it. What part of the front suspension might need replaced?

[@phillygreen3181]

Hey I have a 2012 740i and i keep getting a chassis stabilization malfunction if I stop or turn or accelerate have you ever seen this ?

[@CrazyOneToo]

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

[@shooheimachampion5215]

Hi thank you for the video . My bmw makes sqeeking sounds and cracking sounds what could ot be

[@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!!

[@fatihayar365]

hello 2004 model 3.18 i have bmw i bought my car 2 months ago. When I release the steering wheel of my vehicle it goes right. I changed four tires, shock absorber wedges and balls, rods, z-rods, swing bushings changed steering box was checked. No problem can be detected in the control of five separate computerized rod devices. My vehicle's problem continues, I would be glad if you could help. I am sorry for my English

[@ghostshadow6628]

Always awesome, nicely Done.

[@Viperoloff01]

My dads 330i is wandering all over, control arm bushings replaced 2months back. What might be the issue. Control arms or tie rods? I am far away so cant check at the moment. Car has 230,000kms

[@gabrielito88]

My car makes a noise like a loose chain or something simliar that comes from the rear right side but i can't figure out what is it... Any suggestions??

[@JGH046]

Hey! Quick question, my E46 makes a weird noise when going over bumps. The right rear side makes this noise as if you're hitting your keys togheter. I changed my shocks but I think that the coil spring is broken. Any idea if it could be something else ?

[@kingofkings2934]

covered a lot of good information! thanks