Rear Axle
E46 M3 Rear Axle
The concept of the M3 rear axle originates from the E46/2 (standard 3 series). The characteristics of the central link axle has been adopted and modified from the E36 M3.
The track width of 1525 mm was achieved by modifying the rear rim offset,
The rear axle carrier was modified for accepting the differential and a modified rear stabilizer bar.
The lower control arm was adopted from the E46/2 (standard 3 series). To improve the wheel control, the outer joint is designed as a ball joint.
The upper control arm is aluminum. In order to improve the wheel control, the outer mount (as on the E36 M3) is designed as a ball joint.
The Semi-trailing arm is specific, the mounts on the body have been adopted from the E46/2 (standard 3 series). The linkage points of the control arms have been modified to increase the driving stability of the rear axle. The wheel bearing are the same as the E36 M3.
Rear Axle Carrier with V-Strut
The rear axle carrier has been modified for the E46 M3. The rear body mounts have been specially modified to M3 requirements.
The mounting points for the rear axle differential are new (2 rear, 1 front). The stabilizer bar mounting is new.
The V-strut is bolted to the body and rear axle assembly for additional rear axle reinforcement.
A reinforcement plate (A) is integrated in the V-strut. The plate deflects air flow towards the rear axle differential cover.
Suspension and Damping: The suspension and damping components have been tuned in line with sport characteristics.
The coil (barrel) springs on the rear axle are progressive rate. The tuning is M3-specific.
The shock absorbers are designed as twin tube gas pressure dampers. Compared to the E46/2 (standard 3 series), the diameter of the piston rod and the piston have been increased (piston 32 mm, piston rod 15 mm).
The auxiliary cushion on the rear axle shock absorber is new. It differs from the standard auxiliary cushion by an additional groove and the black coloring.
Stabilizer Bar: The rear axle stabilizer bar is specific. The diameter is 21.5 mm. The mounting on the rear axle carrier has been modified for the E46 M3.
E46 Rear Axle Differential
The rear axle differential is developed specifically for the E46 M3. The rear axle differential is designated "210" (ring gear diameter in mm).
The mounting points of the rear axle carrier for the differential have been modified compared to the E46/2 (standard 3 series).
The rear axle differential is bolted to the rear axle carrier at two mounting points on the rear axle differential casing.
The rear axle carrier is connected to the body at the same points as the E46/2. For all BMW vehicles, this mounting arrangement is known as double-flexible rear axle mounting.
The housing of the rear axle differential is E46 M3 specific. The cover of the rear axle differential is made of pressure die cast aluminum. Special arranged cooling fins reduce the temperature of the oil in the differential.