Front Suspension BMW X3 E83

IDENTIFICATION

CHASSIS & ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

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

Scheme 1

RIDING HEIGHT

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and in normal loaded position with 150 lbs. (68 kg) in each front seat and 150 lbs. (68 kg) in the center of the back seat. Load 46 lbs. (21 kg) in the trunk and ensure a full tank of fuel.
2. Determine actual ride-level height (A) by measuring from wheel arch lower edge (1) to rim flange (2) at wheel center height. Determine average value for each wheel after previously raising and lowering vehicle body and establish average value for axle. (Scheme 2)
3. Ride height measurement must be within.04" (10 mm) of specification. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension).
4. To identify installed spring, refer to parts microfiche, contact parts supplier, or remove spring and find 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.
5. Replace both coil springs to bring ride height back to specification, even though only one may be defective. See «COIL SPRING & SHOCK ABSORBER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__spring-strut-shock-absorber) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Scheme 2

RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Note. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

To trouble shoot most symptoms see TROUBLE SHOOTING .

Whether a spring strut has to be replaced can only be ascertained by checking while it is installed with a shock tester or while it is removed with a shock absorber test machine.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

COIL SPRING

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

Removal

1. Remove front spring strut. See «SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__spring-strut-shock-absorber).
2. Clamp Special Tool (31 3 341) in vise. (Scheme 3) Fit Special Tools (31 3 382) and (31 3 383) from above on Special Tool (31 3 341) until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard snapping into place. Check seating of Special Tools (31 3 382) and (31 3 383). Correct, if necessary.
3. Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with Special Tools (31 3 382) and (31 3 383). Turn spring strut until Special Tool (31 3 382) rests in indentation (1) of spring strut. (Scheme 4) Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.
4. Remove cap. Remove nut with Special Tool (31 3 210). Grip piston rod in the process. (Scheme 5)
5. Remove support bearing (1), dust sleeve and shim (2). (Scheme 6) Remove spring plate (3) with spring pad (4).
6. Remove spring strut with auxiliary spring, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.
7. Remove auxiliary spring (1), gaiter (2) and spring pad. If necessary, replace coil spring.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Installation

1. Check lower spring pad (3). Replace, if necessary, and position on spring plate. (Scheme 7) Check auxiliary spring (1) and gaiter (2). If necessary, replace and attach to piston rod.
2. Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring and align to end of coil spring using lower spring pad. Check upper spring pad (4). If necessary, replace and position on upper spring plate (3). (Scheme 6) Attach upper spring plate (3) with lower spring pad (4), shim (2) and dust sleeve to piston rod.
3. Check support bearing (2). Replace, if necessary, and attach to piston rod. If previous support bearing (2) was fitted without centering pin (1), drive out centering pin (1) of new support bearing (2). (Scheme 8)
4. Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging piston rod when relieving tension on coil spring. Ensure lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate. Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.
5. Tighten self-locking nut with special tool (31 2 210). If necessary, grip piston rod. (Scheme 5) Tighten nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).
6. Fully release tension on coil spring.

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

CONTROL ARM

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove front underbody protection. If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side.
2. On right side of vehicles with ride height sensor, unlock and disconnect plug from ride level sensor (1). (Scheme 9) Remove control rod (2) from control arm.
3. On all vehicles, unfasten nut. (Scheme 10) Remove screw towards front. if necessary, on right side remove holder with ride-height sensor.
4. Unfasten nut. Press control arm off swivel bearing with special tool (31 2 240). (Scheme 11)
5. Installation is reverse of removal. Keep journal on ball head and bore on swivel bearing free of grease. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).
6. Perform front axle alignment check. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) under ADJUSTMENTS.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

FRONT AXLE CARRIER

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove luggage compartment floor trim. Disconnect battery negative lead.
2. Remove tension struts from front axle carrier. See «TENSION STRUTS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tension-struts).
3. Remove control arm from front axle carrier. See «CONTROL ARM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__control-arm).
4. Remove screws and detach pressure line from front axle carrier. (Scheme 12)
5. Remove power steering gear from front axle carrier. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR. Tie up power steering gear.
6. Remove stabilizer from front axle. See «STABILIZER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__stabilizer).
7. Remove front axle carrier towards bottom. If necessary, move sideways and remove.
8. If replacing, unscrew left and right engine mounts from front axle support. If necessary, remove vacuum lines from front axle carrier. Remove expander rivet (1) on both sides. (Scheme 13) Turn front stoneguard (2) on both sides upwards and remove. Unclip rear stoneguard (3) on both sides (arrow), slide forwards and remove.

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications) .
2. Ensure pressure line is laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.
3. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) under ADJUSTMENTS.

GUIDE JOINT

Note. Guide joint must be replaced when it has been driven out with Special Tool.

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel.
2. Slacken guide joint nut to tension strut (1). Grip if necessary. (Scheme 14) Loosen screws (2).
3. Remove guide joint from swivel bearing. If guide joint is firmly seated in swivel bearing, remove nut and screw Special Tool (33 4 205) onto taper spigot and drive out with Special Tool (33 4 200). (Scheme 15)
4. Screw on nut a few turns so that guide joint does not slip off unchecked when forced off. Press guide joint with Special Tool (31 2 240) out of tension strut. (Scheme 16) Unscrew nut and remove guide joint.
5. Installation is reverse of removal. Keep journal on guide joint and bore hole on swivel bearing free from grease. Replace self-locking nut, grip hexagon socket if necessary. Tighten nut and screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

HINGED BRACKET FOR STABILIZER

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove nut. Grip with Special Tool (31 1 140). (Scheme 17) Remove hinged bracket (1) from spring strut.
2. Remove nut. Grip with Special Tool (31 1 140). (Scheme 18) Remove hinged bracket (1) from stabilizer.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

RUBBER MOUNTS ON CONTROL ARMS

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove control arm from front axle support. See «CONTROL ARM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__control-arm).
2. Tie control arm back with wire. This prevents ball joint from being damaged. Remove rubber mount with special tools (31 1 051/054) and (33 3 051/052/054/310). (Scheme 19)
3. Ensure rubber mount and control arm bore hole are free of grease. Draw in rubber mount from chamfered side of control arm bore. Protrusion (A) is (5.68-5.82 mm). (Scheme 20)
4. Install control arm. See «CONTROL ARM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__control-arm).
5. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) under ADJUSTMENTS.

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

RUBBER MOUNTS ON TENSION STRUTS

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove tension struts. See «TENSION STRUTS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tension-struts).
2. Press rubber mount out from tension strut using a press and special tool (31 2 261/264). Special tool must be exactly flush with bush of rubber mount. (Scheme 21)
3. Ensure rubber mount and tension strut bore are free of grease. Align rubber mount and tension strut to each other using marking (K). (Scheme 22) Maximum torsional tolerance is within 3 degrees.
4. Press in rubber mount to tension strut using a press and special tool (31 2 261/264). Special tool must be exactly flush with bush of rubber mount. (Scheme 21)
5. Protrusion (A) is 11.8-13.2 mm. (Scheme 23)
6. Install tension struts. See «TENSION STRUTS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tension-struts).

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel. Remove brake caliper and tie back. See «DISC»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-x3) article in BRAKES.
2. Remove hinged bracket from spring strut. See «HINGED BRACKET FOR STABILIZER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__hinged-bracket-for-stabilizer).
3. Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing. See «TIE ROD»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tie-rod).
4. Remove lines (1) for front pulse generator and brake bad wear sensor from spring strut (2). (Scheme 24)
5. Remove swivel bearing from spring strut and tie back. See «SWIVEL BEARING»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__swivel-bearing). Ensure tripod (2) of output shaft does not drop out of housing (1) into gaiter (3). (Scheme 25)
6. If no centering pin is fitted, mark position of studs to wheel arch. This ensures that original camber is approximately retained on installation. Release only one nut of spring strut support bearing/wheel arch connection for marking. (Scheme 26)
7. Secure spring strut against falling out. Unscrew nuts. Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

1. Installation is reverse of removal. Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or using studs to wheel arch and push upwards. If no centering pin is fitted, align support bearing using markings to wheel arch and tighten down nuts. Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications) .
2. Install front wheel and tighten wheel lug bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications) .
3. Align front axle if a spring strut has been installed without centering pin.

STABILIZER

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove lower section of microfilter housing. Remove cover for cowl panel. Remove air cleaner housing. Secure engine hood in service position.
2. Assemble Special Tool (00 0 200) with Special Tool (00 0 201/202/203/204/208) and install. Attach Special Tool (11 0 020) to designated suspension eyes at front and rear only. (Scheme 27) Be careful of fuel line and engine wiring harness.
3. The supports of special tool (00 0 208) must rest on bolt connection of both side walls. Tighten screws (1, 2). (Scheme 28)
4. Remove engine mounts at top left and right. Raise engine carefully approximately.39" (10 mm).
5. Remove underbody protection. Unscrew bolts (1, 2) and remove reinforcement plate. (Scheme 29) If necessary, remove screws for exhaust system shielding/center underbody paneling.
6. If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side. If necessary, disconnect plug from ride-height sensor.
7. Partially detach front wheel arch trim on both sides.
8. Insert Special Tools (31 4 051) and (31 4 052) into corresponding mountings of Special Tool (00 2 030). Align Special Tool (00 2 030) to front axle carrier. (Scheme 30) Support front axle carrier by raising Special Tool (00 2 030).
9. Remove screws (2 and 3). (Scheme 31) Lower front axle carrier no more than 5.9" (15 cm).
10. Remove stabilizer link on left and right from stabilizer. See «HINGED BRACKET FOR STABILIZER»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__hinged-bracket-for-stabilizer).
11. Remove screws. (Scheme 32) Remove retaining bracket and rubber mount on both sides. Turn stabilizer bar forwards and remove towards front left through wheel arch.

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Keep retaining bracket, rubber mount and stabilizer bar free of grease. Wet retaining bracket with low-surface-tension water. If necessary, replace rubber mount.
2. Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications) .

SWIVEL BEARING

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Press axle shaft out of swivel bearing. See «AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT)»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#axle-shafts-repair) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in AXLE SHAFTS article.
2. Remove brake disc and ABS pulse sensor. See «BRAKE DISCS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-x3__brake-discs) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in DISC article.
3. Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing. See «TIE ROD»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tie-rod).
4. Support swivel bearing (1) with Special Tool (00 2 030) and a suitable support from below. Remove bolt (2) and remove nut. Expand swivel bearing (1) with Special Tool (31 2 230). (Scheme 33)
5. Remove screw (1). (Scheme 34) Guide joint of tension strut must not be directly situated below swivel bearing. If necessary, correct position. Lower swivel bearing (2) a maximum 3.9" (10 cm) so as not to damage axle shaft.
6. Detach swivel bearing from axle shaft and remove from Special Tool (00 2 030). Move axle shaft upwards, secure and DO NOT pull out.
7. If replacing, perform the following procedures: Remove drive flange. See «WHEEL BEARING»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-bearing). Remove dust sleeve (1) and guard plate (2). (Scheme 35)

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

1. If replacing, install new wheel bearing. See «WHEEL BEARING»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-bearing).
2. Expand swivel bearing (1) with Special Tool (31 2 230). (Scheme 36) Align swivel bearing (1) using gap to position pins (2) on back of spring strut and raise as far as it will go. Remove Special Tool (31 2 230).
3. Replace self-locking nut and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).
4. Install tie rod. See «TIE ROD»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__tie-rod).
5. Install brake disc and ABS pulse sensor. See «BRAKE DISCS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-x3__brake-discs) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in DISC article.
6. Install axle shaft. See «AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT)»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#axle-shafts-repair) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in AXLE SHAFTS article.
7. If new swivel bearing has been installed, check and adjust front wheel alignment. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) under ADJUSTMENTS.

Scheme 36

TENSION STRUTS

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove front underbody protection. If necessary, remove lower steering gear cover. Release and secure front wheel arch trim.
2. Remove screw (1) of engine shielding. (Scheme 37) Remove nut on rear side. Swivel holder (2) for engine shielding at front towards center of vehicle and remove towards bottom.
3. Remove nut. (Scheme 38) Remove screw towards front. Remove tension strut from front axle carrier.
4. Remove guide joint from swivel bearing. See «GUIDE JOINT»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__guide-joint).
5. Installation is reverse of removal. Replace self-locking nut. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 37

Scheme 38

TIE ROD

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheel. Remove nut. If necessary, grip brace at Torx socket.
2. Force tie rod end off swivel bearing with Special Tool (31 2 300). (Scheme 39)
3. Determine measurement (A) to simplify adjustment of front axle. (Scheme 40)
4. Release clamping nut. Screw off tie rod end, gripping tie rod with an open-end wrench in the process.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check gaiter and replace, if necessary. Mount clamping ring (1). (Scheme 40) Screw in tie rod end to measurement (A).
6. Tighten clamping nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications). Replace self-locking nut and tighten tie rod end nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

WHEEL BEARING

Note. Numbers and letters in text apply to numbers and letters in figures.

1. Remove swivel bearing. See «SWIVEL BEARING»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__swivel-bearing).
2. Clamp swivel bearing with aluminum clamping jaws in vise. Secure Special Tools (33 2 116/33 2 160) to drive flange with 5 wheel studs. (Scheme 41) Drive out drive flange with Special Tool (33 4 200). Check dust sleeve on drive flange. Replace, if necessary.
3. Lift out circlip (1). (Scheme 42)
4. Pull out bearing with Special Tool (31 2 113, 33 3 261/262/266). (Scheme 43) A press can be used, if necessary.

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

1. Coat bearing seat in swivel bearing over 50 percent of its length with Loctite 648 or equivalent. Wider chamfer (1) of bearing must point to swivel bearing. (Scheme 44)
2. Draw in bearing with Special Tools (31 2 113) and (33 3 261/264/268). (Scheme 45)
3. Replace circlip (1). Ensure ring is correctly seated. It should snap into place. (Scheme 42)
4. Draw in drive flange hub with Special Tools (31 2 113) and (33 3 261/266/268). (Scheme 46)
5. Install swivel bearing. See «SWIVEL BEARING»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__swivel-bearing).

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (X3)

See also:
• SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• DISC
• AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT)
• BRAKE DISCS
• RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
• COIL SPRING & SHOCK ABSORBER
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• TENSION STRUTS
• CONTROL ARM
• STABILIZER
• HINGED BRACKET FOR STABILIZER
• TIE ROD
• SWIVEL BEARING
• WHEEL BEARING
• GUIDE JOINT