Power Block Supports — Inspection and Replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

Inspection

1. The engine has two supports - on both sides.

2. If better access to the supports is required, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely.

3. Inspect the rubber parts of the supports for cracks, hardening, or delamination from the metal base. If such defects are found, replace the support.

4. Check that all support fasteners are securely tightened.

5. Using a strong screwdriver or a crowbar as a lever, check the play in the mounts. If there is no room for a lever, have an assistant rock the engine from side to side while you watch the mounts. A small amount of play is acceptable even for new mounts, but excessive play will immediately become noticeable. If a lot of play is detected, first check the fasteners for tightness. If the fasteners are securely tightened and the play is still large, replace the faulty parts or the entire mount.

Replacement

6. Support the engine from underneath with a jack or lift it upward with a lifting device just enough to take the load off the mounts. Make sure the engine is securely supported before proceeding.

7. Unscrew the nuts securing the left and right brackets to the rubber blocks of the supports. Unscrew the bolts securing the support brackets to the engine block and remove the brackets. Disconnect the ground busbars from the supports (fig. 17.7,a,b).





8. Loosen the nuts securing the supports to the body and remove the supports.



9. Install the supports in the reverse order. Tighten the fasteners securely.