Section 55 (Front Axle - Repair - E46): Description
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 34 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW M3, and 2005 BMW 330i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
All BMW models use MacPherson strut front suspension systems, which consist of vertically mounted strut assemblies directly attached to steering knuckles. Steering knuckles are connected to the axle carriers (crossmembers) through lower control arms. A stabilizer bar is attached to either the strut assembly or the lower control arm. See Fig 1.