BMW 330d Front Suspension

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Sun 28 May 2006 20:56
BMW 330d Front Suspension - Beemer Boy
Hi
Can anybody tell me if the front suspension on the diesel model is the same as the 330i petrol model? Haynes do not do a manual for the diesel models yet.

Also in the Honest John 'what's bad' it says you have to replace the wishbone as well as the rear bushes when worn? Can anybody confirm or otherwise enlighten me?
Thanks
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Tue 30 May 2006 16:58
BMW 330d Front Suspension - trancer
The spring rates and probably the damping rates will be different as the diesel model is heavier than the petrol. The parts will physically interchange though as I currently have 330i springs on my 330d.

I think he meant the rear bush of the front suspension control arm (wishbone), but in any case this isn't correct. You can change the rear bush independently, but what you will find is that many shops will recommend doing both at the same time as its easier for them to do.

What you can't do is reuse an old bush on a new wishbone as removing an installed bush will destroy it.
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Tue 30 May 2006 19:34
BMW 330d Front Suspension - Beemer Boy
Thanks Trancer
My garage says the rear bushes are worn but I was worried after reading Honest John's comments!
So I can replace just the rear bushes then.
The reason to ask about the parts for petrols and diesels is the mode of removal and replacement. I need to get a manual but the only one Haynes do is for the petrol model. I cannot find anywhere on the net the 'real' BMW workshop manuals like in the old days. I bought a Triumph manual through Standard Triumph garage for a 1300 back in the 1960's!!. I suppose they don't want us to do repairs etc ourselves anymore?
Regards
Beemer Boy
PS Do you like the diesel?
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Wed 31 May 2006 19:34
BMW 330d Front Suspension - trancer
The rear bushes of the front suspension control arms, yes. If your rear axle bushes are worn I cannot comment as I don't have any experience of those.

The petrol and diesel suspension goes together the same way, only difference is spring rates as I mentioned. The information needed to do suspension work is out there on the many enthusiast sites/forums. There is alot you can accomplish without needing to buy a manual and I think you will find that the suspension is rather easy to work on.

no, I don't like the diesel I love it!!.
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Sun 4 Jun 2006 16:50
BMW 330d Front Suspension - Beemer Boy
Thanks Trancer
yes it is the front suspension we are talking about so great news.
Can you point me in the right direction re sites for the work as Google shows up nothing. I have found a great american site in the past for other work but it would appear no-one has tackled this job over there!
www.bimmerdiy.com/e46
I assumwe we are allowed to put up sites, if not sorry moderator!
Beemer Boy
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Sun 4 Jun 2006 23:44
BMW 330d Front Suspension - trancer
www.e46fanatics.com/

On the front page they have an article on front control arms, there is also a DIY guide and within the forum itself, lots of info from members who have personal experience changing bits themselves. free to join and they have a good search facility.

Its a US site so diesel info is pretty much non-exisitent, but the suspensions will be the same, just don't get caught up with "driver's side" etc as of course it will be different to Uk cars
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