Suspension

[henrym3]

After getting the X back with rebuilt box an MOT showed the slight movement in one of the rear suspension bearings, not enough to fail but I decided to do both sides. Not easy to get them out but eventually got done. This job then threw up another problem in that the tab that the air suspension sensor attaches to via a ball joint was broken which immediately explained why the air suspension was playing up. So decided to remove the bottom arm to effect a bodge I mean a repair. This then threw up another problem in that one of the bolts the one with the eccentric washers was seized inside the bush and could not be removed by beating heating swearing. So the ends were ground off and the ends the bolt passes through leavered apart so the bottom arm dropped down. The arm was then put in a press to push what was left of the bolt out of the bush.
This is now on hold as I put the window of the e46 down and then it wouldn’t shut so spent the afternoon stripping the door out to find the regulator is toast. Got that out and new one ordered window back in and held in place with some wood.
That’s where I’m at.
Interestingly I had priced a new crank sensor for the m3 at my local BMW dealer at £177 but decided to check with Cotswold BMW and got the sensor and eccentric bolts and washers plus some other parts for £175. Amazed at the difference in price between dealers.

[X5Sport]

Ouch……one of those I wish I’d never started jobs.

For those unaware, Cotswolds offer discounted parts to Forum members. Assuming it still works ‘cotswoldbmwmini’ is their ident on here. If you send them a PM with details and your VIN they’ll come back to you.

[henrym3]

I’ve looked and haven’t seen cheaper genuine BMW parts anywhere and that includes the postage.

[henrym3]

Thought I’d put up a few pics of the problems.

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I drilled and tapped and was going to fabricate something but have decided to go to an alloy welder on Monday and see if they could weld a tab on.
The second pic shows that the little tabs that the eccentric washers work on are gone. They reduced the washer movement by 50% so I got rid of them. Can’t decide if I’ll get now tabs on or weld the plate I’ve made and put the tabs on it.
Does anyone know if that bottom arm can be welded.

[henrym3]

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So gents the bottom rear arm can be welded.