Exterior (external body elements) BMW 3 Series E46
Basic information The body is made of stamped steel parts. The parts are mostly welded together, but some connections are made with glue. The hood, doors and some other...
Body and underbody maintenance 1. The general condition of the vehicle body is one of the parameters that determines its value. Body maintenance is not difficult, but it must be regular....
Repair of minor body damage Restoration of minor car body scratches 1. If only the paintwork is scratched and the metal is not affected, it is very easy to remove the scratch. Lightly rub...
Repair of serious body damage If serious damage has occurred or there is a need to restore significant sections of the body due to their malfunction, then in this case it will be necessary...
Front bumper — removal and installation Removal 1. Apply the handbrake, jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on supports (see " Lifting the car and placing it on supports ")....
Rear bumper — removal and installation Removal 1. Block the front wheels and apply the parking brake. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands (see "Raising and Supporting the...
Hood — removal, installation and adjustment Removal 1. Open the hood and have an assistant support it. Use a pencil or marker to mark the position of the hinges relative to the hood (to facilitate...
Hood Lock Cable — Removal and Installation Removal 1. The hood lock cable consists of three sections. The first section goes from the opening handle to the connector located on the right mudguard of the...
Hood lock(s) — removal and installation Removal 1. To gain easier access to the rear of the lock(s), remove the radiator (see chapter 3). 2. On models with air conditioning, squeeze the tabs located...
Exterior body accessories — removal and installation Mudguards and underbody panels 1. Various plastic panels are secured to the underside of the body using various fasteners: screws, nuts, clamps. Their removal...