How difficult to install new wishbone bush (E46)

I seriously doubt it.

You mean the one located to the rear of the lower front control arm? Yes. Easily.

(The ball joints, however, are pressed in and machine-crimped, and not replaceable.)

JRE

You will need a puller and a press, in addition you need to be precise in the installation of the new bush as the position of it governs your steering geometry. If you could just pull them off with soapy water you can imagine that the normal forces of driving the car in terms of braking and cornering would result in a far-from-precise drive.

You also need to get the wishbone off which is no mean feat in itself for the DIYer (although I am sure there are plenty of people who would like to say it isn't!).

I had the same idea as you, but decided that it was far more cost effective to take it to a BMW specialist.

Good luck if you decide to try it. Do you have a Bentley? Email me if not and I will "describe" the process.

Not so. I have personally done this. From your post, it appears that you have not. Special tools are _not_ required to remove or replace the rear bush (which comes as an assembly with its mount) for an E46 front lower control arm.

The wishbone is retained by the outer ball joint, removed in the usual way, and by a stud extending from the inner ball joint through the crossmember, topped by a nut, which is removed with a wrench (bottom) and hex socket (top). The latter is a pain in the neck, which neither the TIS nor--I just looked--the Bentley book tells you.

The rear bush is retained by two easily-accessible bolts and is clearly illustrated in both. The wishbone slides in and out of the bush without much muscle and it's a snap to replace it.

An excellent picture is available at

However, do NOT underestimate the complexity of the job from the picture. The driver's side (USA) nut and stud are particularly difficult to reach. The rear bushing/mount assembly in the picture is part 6.

JRE

Now I thought these things were interference fit, and you needed to get them off and a press to remove (relatively easy - just put a large socket in the way) and reinstall (much harder).

The bushing itself is an interference fit with its mount, but they are not orderable separately. The control arm slides into the bushing by hand with reasonable ease, as I said.

JRE

Yes, you are one up on me here, and you are right about the nut and stud (that is as far as I got). I did however try and remove the bush in situ, i.e undo the two bolts holding it to the chassis and to withdraw it, however mine was solid on the wishbone.

At most, a few (medium, not heavy) blows with a rubber mallet should have freed it. I didn't remove mine until the wishbones were off the car, and was able to work them off by hand.

JRE

Actually, I've got a puller for removal job (yes, I mean the bush at the rear end of the wishbone), so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks JRE because I wondered if it's possible for me to fit in the new bush in in-situ without removing the whole arm off.

I've got TIS & Bentley's and I'll let you know after the job done (probably after new year)

Cheers,

B