BMW 1999-2005 M3, Service Manual

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Symptom Probable cause Repairs
vibration or shimmy
Worn suspension bushings
(control arm or trailing arm) Replace worn bushings.
310 , 330
Worn front suspension ball
joints (control arm, steering
arm or steering tie-rod end) Replace worn ball joints.
310
Unbalanced or bent
wheels/tires Loose wheel lug
bolts Balance tires.
Check tires for uneven wear
patterns.
Check wheels for damage. .
Loose wheel lug bolts Tighten lug bolts to proper
torque.
Poor handling, poor
directional stability Rear control arm or rear
subframe bushings worn or
damaged Replace rear suspension
bushings as necessary.
330
Rear alignment incorrect Check and adjust wheel
alignment.
320
Poor stability, repeated
bouncing after bumps,
suspension bottoms out easily Worn struts or shock
absorbers Replace struts or shock
absorbers.
310 , 330
Rear end hop with hard
braking Rear trailing arm busing worn
or damaged Replace trailing arm
bushing.
330
Steering heavy, poor return-
to-center Worn upper strut mounts Replace strut mounts. 310
Incorrect tire pressure Check and correct tire
pressures.
020
steering system faulty Check power steering fluid
level.
320
Steering loose, imprecise Incorrect tire pressure Check and correct tire
pressures.
020
Loose steering rack mounting
bolt(s) Inspect and tighten bolts.
320
Worn tie rod end(s) Replace tie rod(s) and align
wheels.
320
Faulty front wheel bearing Replace wheel bearing.
310
Worn or damaged steering
rack Adjust or replace steering
rack.
320 .
Worn tires Replace tires.
Suspension, Steering and Brakes — General http://ebahn.bentleypublishers.com/BMW/3/E46/Repair%20Manuals/3...
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