parts for a 2003 330i

[idanity]

new to the e46 scene.

report from the dealer.
current 2003 330ci
thrust rod bushings worn out.
strut tower and support (possible bent) pushed up from impact.
frame is ok,

replace *but why just replace, i would prefer to lower the car since its already in need.

any places to get these parts ?
any particular setup i should seek out (or avoid / ) ??
thanks

[kway]

Well, you're not going to replace the strut towers, just hammer them back down with a big dead blow mallet. Then the reinforcement plate goes on top of the upper strut mount before it's bolted back in.

I don't know how bad the roads are in the milky way, but here in Boston it's not too uncommon on e46s. As for thrust arm bushings, that would be control arm bushings. They come with the lollipops and are pretty easy to hammer on with the dead blow and some tire lube. There's a puller to get the old ones off, but you can probably come up with something.

Blunt can probably get you the parts, or local dealer, tischer, any number of places.

[MeinBMW]

Back when I had my e46 I used to buy parts from http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/ all the time ... for OEM stuff they had the best prices hands down and they always shipped quick

http://www.bimmerworld.com/ was always a pleasure to deal with as well and carried alot of great stuff

[BlueBMW]

For the lower control arm bushings... unbolt them from the body, thread one of the bolts back in one of the holes.... get a 4ft pry bar and carefully pry the bushing off the control arm. A little tire lube on the new one and a dead blow hammer, pops right on.

This is probably the single most favorite job we do at my dealer. Pays 3 hours, takes us about 15 minutes tops, but you didn't hear it from me! :D Customer spends $500 + for 15 minutes of my time (parts are about 170 or so)

As far as the strut tower.... either hammer it back, or replace the whole thing (think body shop) Its a pretty involved body repair and probably not too cheap. I've inspected several cars to be certified pre-owned that I've had to disqualify because of strut tower damage. It usually results in a camber adjustment that wont come into spec.

[idanity]

thanks everyone..
and
the i did request specifically "the body/ shock tower needs to be cut off, or re-welded back in by a body shop" -

dealer " no- its a bolt on part"

also, as my 1st post reports, a few other oddly named items (thrust bushings, etc.)

they (she) did say, "the frame is fine, and no body damage was done)
but hmm...

gotta get a huge frigin hammer and thanks to the links too.



i am considering having a local shop do the work, and maybe even getting lower springs or ground control and bilstein shocks....
but the removal method BlueBMW talks about seems logical and easy (i have a 8ft. bar !
going to price the labor soon, and parts this week.