How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 97-06 BMW 325Xi

Difficulty: Advanced · About 150 min · Bmw 325xi

Replace the front lower control arm bushing on a 1997–2006 BMW 325Xi by removing the control arm, pressing the bushing from its bracket, and aligning the replacement to the original index mark before assembly.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Loosen the wheel bolts, raise and support the front securely, then remove the wheel. Support the steering knuckle before loosening suspension joints.

2. Remove the control arm

   Separate the outer and inner ball joints using an approved method and remove their fasteners. Remove the bushing bracket bolts, marking the bushing's orientation relative to the arm before pulling it off.

3. Press the old bushing from its bracket

   Use a suitable press and correctly sized adapters to support the bracket and push the old bushing out squarely. Keep the press load centered and stop if the bracket begins to deform.

4. Press the new bushing into place

   Clean and inspect the bracket, then align the new bushing's index feature with the original mark. Press it in evenly to the position specified by BMW; do not hammer directly on the rubber or outer shell.

5. Fit the bushing to the control arm

   Align the bracket and bushing with the control arm marks and install it using the specified method. Confirm the bushing is fully seated and its index orientation matches the original.

6. Reinstall the control arm

   Install the arm and reconnect both ball joints, tightening the bracket and joint fasteners to the vehicle specifications. Where required, perform final tightening at normal ride height to avoid preloading bonded rubber.

7. Install the wheel and check alignment

   Reinstall the wheel and torque its bolts in a star pattern to specification. Check brake hose and ABS wire routing, then have the alignment inspected before normal driving.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.