Front subframe — lowering, removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Lowering

1. To perform some types of work, for example, to remove the engine sump, the front subframe must be lowered. First, remove the front reinforcement, as indicated in the previous paragraph.

2. Remove the air cleaner as described in Chapter 4A.

3. Position a lifting device over the engine and secure the device's sling to the engine's front rigging bracket.

4. Unscrew the nuts securing the left and right engine mounts to the subframe (Fig. 15.4).



5. Set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position and lock the steering gear.

6. Unscrew the steering column universal joint clamp bolt and disconnect the steering shaft from the steering gear pinion (Fig. 15.6).



7. Remove the anti-roll bar tightening bolts (see chapter 10 if necessary).



8. Remove the rear bolts of the lower suspension arms (Fig. 15.8).



9. Support the center of the subframe with a jack and a wooden block.

10. Unscrew the subframe mounting bolts and lower it slightly using the jack (fig. 15.10).

Caution: Do not allow the steering gear to hang on the hoses.

11. The subframe is installed in the reverse order, taking into account the following notes.

• a) Tighten the rear subframe bolts first.
• b) Use new bolts to secure the subframe and reinforcement.
• c) Tighten all fasteners to the required torque if specified in the Technical Data.

Removal

Note: After installing the subframe, be sure to check and adjust the wheel alignment angles on the BMW equipment.

12. On N42 engine models, remove the air cleaner as described in Chapter 4A.



13. Position a lifting device over the engine and attach the device's sling to the engine's front rigging bracket.

14. Unscrew the nuts that secure the left and right engine mounts to the subframe brackets.

15. Set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position and lock the steering gear.

16. On models with automatic headlight beam adjustment, disconnect the height sensor from the subframe.

17. On all models, remove the lower control arm mounting bolts, disconnect the ball joints and remove the control arms (see chapter 10).

18 Remove the two bolts securing the steering gear to the subframe (fig. 15.18). The self-locking nuts will need to be replaced with new ones during installation.

19. Support the subframe with a jack and a wooden block.

20. Remove the subframe mounting bolts and lower it to the ground (see fig. 15.10).

Installation

21. Installation is carried out in the reverse order, taking into account the following notes.

• a) Secure the subframe with new bolts.
• b) Tighten the rear subframe bolts first.
• c) Tighten all fasteners to the required torque, if specified in the Technical Data.
• d) Check and adjust wheel alignment on BMW equipment as soon as possible.