Front Suspension - Repair - e36 BMW M3 E36

IDENTIFICATION

CHASSIS & ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

All models use MacPherson strut type front suspension systems, which consist of vertically mounted strut assemblies directly attached to steering knuckles. Steering knuckles are connected to the axle carriers through control arms. (Scheme 1) A stabilizer bar is attached through links to the strut assembly and the control arm.

Scheme 1

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. Vehicle must be loaded with a full tank of gas, 150 lbs. (68 kg) in each seat, and 31 lbs. (14 kg) in the trunk, prior to measuring riding height. Ensure tires are properly inflated to manufacturers specification.

Note. It is not possible to correct vehicle ride level height by installing spring rings of different thicknesses.

RIDE HEIGHT (UP TO 9/93)

1. Measure actual ride-level height from wheel-house lower edge to rim flange at height of wheel center. Determine average value of each wheel after lifting and lowering vehicle body and then average value of axle from these values.
2. Ride height measurement must be within .04" (10 mm) on each side. For proper ride height, see «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (UP TO 9/93)»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36) .
3. Identify installed spring. Installed spring is identified by referring to parts microfiche, contacting BMW Parts Dept. or by removing spring and finding BMW number on end of spring. Springs are allocated by vehicle type and, where applicable, by special equipment such as air conditioning, sports suspension, etc. and by date of production launch.
4. Find correction springs in table. For example: Vehicle is equipped with coil springs (BMW No. 1 139 266) and its ride level height is 8 mm too low due to amount of optional extra equipment. Nominal ride level height setting is obtained by installing spring (BMW No. 1 139 267). See «CORRECTION SPRINGS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36) .

RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (UP TO 9/93)

CORRECTION SPRINGS

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Except Z3

1. Measure actual ride-level height from wheel-house lower edge to rim flange at height of wheel center. Determine average value of each wheel after lifting and lowering vehicle body and then average value of axle from these values.
2. Ride height measurement must be within .04" (10 mm) of each side. For proper ride height, see «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (FROM 9/93 - EXCEPT Z3)»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36) .
3. Identify installed spring. Installed spring is identified by referring to parts microfiche, contacting BMW Parts Dept. or by removing spring and finding BMW number on end of spring. Springs are allocated by vehicle type and, where applicable, by special equipment such as air conditioning, sports suspension, etc. and by date of production launch.
4. Replace both springs, even though only one may be defective, to bring ride height back to specification.

RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (FROM 9/93 - EXCEPT Z3)

Z3

1. Open hood. Insert Measuring Tool (31-3-010) in bore in wheel arch. Measure distance "A" from bottom center flange of wheel rim (2) to Measuring Tool (1). (Scheme 8)
2. Ride height measurement must be within.04" (10 mm) of each side. For proper ride height, see «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (FROM 9/93 - Z3)»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36).
3. Identify installed spring. Installed spring is identified by referring to parts microfiche, contacting BMW Parts Dept. or by removing spring and finding BMW number on end of spring. Springs are allocated by vehicle type and, where applicable, by special equipment such as air conditioning, sports suspension, etc. and by date of production launch.
4. Replace both springs, even though only one may be defective, to bring ride height back to specification.

Scheme 8

RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (FROM 9/93 - Z3)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Note. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Removal

1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel assembly. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from control arm. (Scheme 9)
2. Loosen control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint nut (1) until it contacts strut. (Scheme 10)
3. Using a hammer and special tool (31 1 430), with slant of fork (2) facing downward, separate control arm from steering knuckle. (Scheme 10)
4. Mark ball joint installation position for installation purposes. (Scheme 11)
5. Remove nut and discard.
6. Pull axle assembly outward and place a bar or similar device in place to hold assembly out for ball joint access. (Scheme 12)
7. Using Ball Joint Remover/Installer (31 1 441/443/445/446), remove ball joint. (Scheme 13)

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Installation

1. Using a scraper or wire brush, clean rust from ball joint lower mating face of control arm. Clean ball joint bore in control arm.
2. Screw Ball Joint Guide (31 1 448) onto NEW ball joint as far as it will go. (Scheme 14)
3. Align match marks and insert ball joint in control arm. Ensure turning lock points toward middle of vehicle. (Scheme 15)
4. Using Ball Joint Remover/Installer (31 1 441/443/447), install ball joint. (Scheme 16)
5. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Force wheel guide joint upwards using a transmission lifter and base. This simplifies the tightening down of the nut. Replace all lock nuts. Use washer (2) for stabilizer connection on control arm. (Scheme 9)
6. Tighten fastener and wheel lug bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

COIL SPRING

Note. Only use pairs of springs with the same BMW number (located on end of spring) on one axle. Springs are allocated by vehicle type and by special equipment, e.g. air conditioning, sports, etc. and by date of production launch.

Procedures are identical with those for replacing spring-strut shock absorber. See STRUT ASSEMBLY .

1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheel.
2. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from control arm. Release nut (1). (Scheme 9)
3. Install one wheel lug bolt and install a piece of wire from lug bolt to coil spring to prevent brake hose damage. (Scheme 17)
4. Loosen nut until it contacts spring strut. (Scheme 18)
5. Remove 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts and discard. (Scheme 19)
6. Remove upper strut-to-steering knuckle bolt and lock nut. Remove control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint nut and discard. (Scheme 20)
7. Using Ball Joint Separator (31-2-160), separate control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint. Remove grease from bore and pin. (Scheme 21)
8. Remove tie-rod from control arm and suspend tie-rod aside. Remove control arm bracket-to-subframe bolts. (Scheme 32)
9. Unscrew nut and knock ball joint loose with a plastic hammer. Remove control arm. (Scheme 22)
10. Remove grease from bore and pin.

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

1. Force ball joint upwards using a transmission lifter and base. On vehicles with S52 engine, remove shield plates between manifold and wheel housing, if necessary. This simplifies the tightening down of the nut. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .
2. Install control arm bracket-to-subframe bolts using washers and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .
3. Replace self-locking nut and install ball joint.
4. Replace self-locking nut and, using a shim on both sides, install upper strut-to-steering knuckle bolt.
5. Install 2 new strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.
6. Derust stub axle in area of contact face of rubber sleeve. Tighten nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .
7. Remove wire and wheel lug bolt.
8. Replace self-locking nut (1) and fit shim (2) for stabilizer connection on control arm.
9. Tighten nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .
10. Replace front wheel and tighten wheel lug bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .

1. Remove control arm. See «CONTROL ARM»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36).
2. Center punch control arm pin. (Scheme 23)
3. Unfasten bolts. (Scheme 24)
4. Mark, measure and note bracket/bushing installation position for installation purposes. (Scheme 25)
5. Using Puller (00-7-500) and Adapter (31 2 151), remove control arm bracket with bushing. (Scheme 26)
6. Using a press and Adapter (31 2 130), press bushing out of bracket. (Scheme 27)

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

1. Clean bushing bore in bracket. Align arrow on bushing with mark on bracket and press bushing into beveled bore in bracket using a press and Adapter (31 2 130). (Scheme 28)
2. Ensure bushing protrusion is equal on both sides of bracket.
3. Check rubber mounts (except M3). With vehicle in normal position and using a feeler gauge, measure gap in bushing. If gap "A" is not.01-.05" (0.3-1.3 mm), replace bushing. (Scheme 29)
4. Coat control arm pin with anti-friction agent (turpentine substitute). Using Installer (31 2 152/153/154 and 00 7 501), install bracket and bushing onto control arm pin to previously measured position. (Scheme 30)
5. Ensure bracket centering bores point toward engine carrier. (Scheme 31)
6. Install control arm to vehicle, tighten control arm bracket bolts to specification and immediately lower vehicle to normal position. Leave vehicle in normal position for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, anti-friction agent will be evaporated and control arm will fit tightly and be correctly positioned.
7. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

Note. Front suspension assembly is also referred to as subframe crossmember.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of container and unfasten return line on container.
2. Unscrew pressure pipe on steering gear.
3. Remove steering spindle from steering gear.
4. Remove air bag/steering wheel assembly. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove front wheels.
5. Disconnect wire connectors from brake pad wear indicator and ABS sensors. Remove wiring and hoses from holders on strut. Remove brake calipers and secure to body using wire. See appropriate article in BRAKES.
6. Unscrew left and right nuts holding stabilizer connection on spring strut and hold supports on spring struts with adhesive tape.
7. Unscrew left and right nuts (1) holding stabilizer connection on control arm. (Scheme 9)
8. Remove control arm bracket bolts. (Scheme 32)
9. Using a suitable lifting device, support engine. Remove left and right engine mount nuts.
10. If necessary, remove the reinforcing cross struts (Convertible/Roadster). Unscrew left and right bolts. (Scheme 33)
11. Unscrew left and right nuts and lower trolley jack slowly. (Scheme 34)

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace all self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).
2. Damaged threads in engine support should be repaired with Helicoil thread inserts 12 x 1.5 mm.
3. On models up to 93, remove paint from contact surfaces of front axle and engine supports. Replace 4 screws. Coat screws on thread and head contact with assembly paste LM48 or equivalent. Lubrication is not necessary when bolts 1 141 214 are used. Install 4 new toothed ring discs between front axle and engine carrier, even if there were no toothed ring discs fitted previously.
4. On models from 1993, four ring-type lock washers are omitted due to tapered connection at both rear mounting points. Screws are 12 mm x 1.5 x 95 9.8.
5. Ensure flat wrench surface (1) on stabilizer bar links are parallel to strut axis. (Scheme 35)
6. Replace self-locking nut (1) and fit shim (2). (Scheme 9)
7. Install wheel and tighten lug to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).
8. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
9. Fill power steering system.

Scheme 35

Removal & Installation

1. Raise and support front of vehicle.
2. Unscrew left and right nuts at stabilizer connection on spring strut. (Scheme 35)
3. Unscrew left and right nuts on control arm. (Scheme 36)
4. Remove stabilizer bar bracket bolts and remove stabilizer bar. (Scheme 37)
5. Remove grease from rubber mounts and stabilizer.
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Open end of rubber mount faces downwards.
7. With vehicle in normal position, replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assembly.
2. Remove front hub assembly. See «WHEEL BEARING»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36).
3. Remove tie-rod-to-steering knuckle nut and discard. Using Tie-Rod Remover (32 2 070), remove tie-rod from steering knuckle. (Scheme 38)
4. Remove dust guard plate. (Scheme 39)
5. Remove 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts and discard. (Scheme 19)
6. Remove upper strut-to-steering knuckle bolt and lock nut. (Scheme 20)
7. Remove control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint nut and discard. (Scheme 18)
8. Using Ball Joint Separator (31 2 160), separate control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint. (Scheme 21)
9. Remove steering knuckle.
10. Ensure new steering knuckle has matching code (K) to old. (Scheme 40)
11. To install, reverse removal procedure. Clean tapped bores. Replace all lock nuts and strut bolts. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 38

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

STRUT ASSEMBLY

Note. Always store strut assembly standing upright. DO NOT allow strut assembly to lie horizontally or upside down for any length of time. If incorrect storage has occurred, place strut assembly upright with strut rod fully extended for at least 24 hours.

Note. When replacing strut, ensure replacement strut is marked with the same code (K) as the old strut. (Scheme 41)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel assembly.
2. Remove wire harness and brake lines from strut assembly.
3. Screw in a wheel lug bolt and suspend wheel bearing assembly from body with wire.
4. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from strut. (Scheme 42)
5. Remove 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts and discard. (Scheme 19)
6. Remove upper strut-to-steering knuckle bolt and lock nut. (Scheme 20)
7. Remove 3 strut retaining nuts from top of strut tower. (Scheme 34)
8. Remove strut assembly.

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Disassembly & Reassembly

1. Clamp special tool (31 3 341) at guide (1) in a vise. On M model, use special tool (31 3 351) in place of 352/354. Ensure spring retainer locking pins (2) on spring compressor are securely locked in position. (Scheme 43)
2. Spring retainers must each be inserted from chamfer (1) of special tool (31 3 341). (Scheme 44)
3. Support coil spring with upper and lower coil between spring retainers. (Scheme 45)
4. Only compress coil spring until spring force on upper mount is relieved.
5. Replace nut with special tool (31 3 170/210). If necessary, replace wrench insert. Unfasten and remove spring strut shock absorber. (Scheme 46)
6. Check rubber damper with protective tube and rings. Auxiliary spring for standard suspension distance (A) is 16 mm. For low-slung sports suspension distance (A) is 8 mm. (Scheme 47)
7. Spacer ring (A) is fitted in vehicles with "rough road package" version. (Scheme 48)
8. If necessary, replace rubber damper.
9. To assemble, place coil spring in spring compressor with one coil of spring outside of spring retainers at both ends. Compress coil spring and install strut using a NEW lock nut. Tighten lock nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

Scheme 48

1. To install, reverse removal procedure.
2. Replace all lock nuts and strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Tighten fasteners to specifications. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications) .

1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheel assembly.
2. Remove brake caliper and wire aside.
3. Remove ABS sensor and brake rotor. See appropriate article in BRAKES.
4. Remove hub grease cap and discard. (Scheme 49)
5. Unlock axle hub collar nut stakes using a hammer and chisel. (Scheme 50)
6. Using Socket (31 2 080), remove collar nut and discard. (Scheme 51)
7. Using wheel lug bolts, attach Fixture (33 2 116) to front hub. Attach Puller (33 4 201/202/203) to fixture and remove hub assembly. (Scheme 52)
8. When inner bearing race remains on stub axle, remove dust guard plate. (Scheme 39)
9. Using Puller (00 7 500) and Adapter (31 2 106), pull inner bearing race off stub axle. (Scheme 53)

Scheme 49

Scheme 50

Scheme 51

Scheme 52

Scheme 53

1. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.
2. Screw in guide sleeve (1) of special tool (31 2 110) onto stub axle for entire length of threads, and press NEW bearing race onto stub axle. (Scheme 54)
3. If applicable, install guard plate. (Scheme 39)
4. Use installer to press NEW hub/wheel bearing assembly onto stub axle. Install NEW collar nut and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e36-1992-1999/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-repair-e36__torque-specifications).
5. Stake collar nut.
6. Apply sealing compound on a NEW hub grease cap, and install cap.

Scheme 54

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 55

Scheme 56

Scheme 57

Scheme 58

Scheme 59

Scheme 60

Scheme 61

Scheme 62

See also:
• SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (UP TO 9/93)
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• STRUT ASSEMBLY