eromdar

Hi Guys, I need to replace the rear wheel bearings on my 1998 316i Compact, the rear suspension of which is taken from the Z3, so... The ETK (BMW Electronic Parts Catalogue) calls this a 'securing plate' - see attached 33 0458 Side Shaft Wheel Bearings.jpg and 33 1106 Output Shaft.jpg. The TIS (BMW Technical Information System) callsa this a 'retaining plate' - see attached 33 21 000 Removing and installing or replacing left or right output shaft.jpg. It is a cup-type washer located deep inside the hub over the nut that retains the hub to the half-shaft. The TIS simply says 'lift out the retaining plate', but being so deeply 'buried' it is extremely difficult to get a tool in to lever it out. There's no mention of a special tool to remove it and the special tool to insert it seems to be a simple drift. So, can anyone tell me how to 'lift' it out? Much appreciated.

Hi Jack, thanks for the reply. As I said to DazH, I'm a reasonably competent mechanic - just a bit weak following a stroke - but I've got a mate who's a trained engineer to do the heavy lifting. We're a bit concerned because of the weather at present: the MoT's due at the end of this week and whilst I'm retired and hence have time on my hands, Kevin is fully employed and can't really do things in a hurry. Our current plan is to freeze the bearing overnight to make fitting a bit easier. Well, we'll see. I'll certainly take some photos. Mike

Hi Snypa-D, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don't think I have any alternative as it's a spare key I want. Elsewhere on this forum it's recommended to get them from a dealer as BMW kindly doesn't supply blanks to the replacement key market. Any idea of the cost? Mike

Hi DazH, thanks for the reply. On your scale I consider myself a 10, and my mate is trained engineer.

I recently bought my first BMW - a 1998 E36 316i Compact. I knew when I bought it that the front suspension, steering and wheel bearings were shot. Have replaced all joints/bearings in front suspension and steering and now I'm well pleased with it except that it only has one key. I've read several references to obtaining new keys from "the Stealer". Who or what is this and how do I get in touch with him/her/it/them? I think the MoT boys might want me to replace the rear wheel bearings sooner rather than later (they rumble a bit). Is this a DIY job (I'm a reasonably competent mechanic and a mate is even better)? Is the special tool necessary or will an "ordinary" bearing puller suffice? Haynes don't do an E30 or a Z3 manual so can anyone recommend a suitable "how to replace the rear wheel bearing on a 316i COMPACT" article? The Haynes E36 book doesn't cover the Compact. Another problem I have is white "smoke" (condensation?) from the exhaust even when the engine is up to running temperature (temp gauge needle central). I initially thought it was a blown cylinder head gasket but it doesn't consume water. So then I thought lamda sensor. I read an article that said cleaning the OUTSIDe of the sensor was important so I did that and it seems to have reduced the "smoke" but not eradicated it. Do I now have to replace the sensor? Hope this isn't too much to ask all in one go. Many thanks in advance.