Rear axle mounting, suspension and airbags on the 3 Series E46

Engine / equipment

BMW 3 Series E46 (petrol and diesel)

Period mentioned

1998–2007

Symptoms

On cars built up to March 2000, the rear axle mounting can tear out of the body; worn wishbone bushes (noises and a nervous wheel under braking) and broken rear springs; hairline cracks in the expansion tank; oil pump on the six-cylinders; camshaft sensors, turbos and injection pumps; swirl flaps dropping into the cylinder on diesels; weak handbrake and porous brake pipes.

Possible cause described

At first BMW repaired the axle mounting with special foam or new floor panels as goodwill; today the repair is so expensive that it often is not worth it. Recalls: a passenger airbag that could burst (saloons May 1999 to August 2006) and gas generators in the sports steering wheel (November 1997–June 2000).

Check for the garage

On cars up to 2000, inspect the rear axle mounting area on a lift; check airbag campaigns by VIN.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database