Recall: front strut upper mount bearing may not be secured (2002)
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What causes "Recall: front strut upper mount bearing may not be secured (2002)" on the BMW 3 Series (E46, 1999-2006), and how is it fixed?
On some 2002 325i and 330i cars, the thrust bearing in the front strut upper mount may not be held in place. Fix: Dealers replaced both front upper mounts under recall.
Symptoms
Possible noise or loose feel at the front; in the worst case the strut can come apart from its mount.
Cause
On some 2002 325i and 330i cars, the thrust bearing in the front strut upper mount may not be held in place.
Fix (summary)
Dealers replaced both front upper mounts under recall. Check by VIN.
Related build entries
Other E46 problems
- Rear subframe mounts tearing out of the floor
- Cooling system plastics fail with age (expansion tank, pump, radiator)
- Double VANOS seals harden: low-end torque loss and rough idle
- DISA intake flap wears loose and can break into the engine
- Power window regulators fail (clips, cables)
- M3 S54 connecting rod bearing failures
More for this car
- All BMW 3 Series (E46, 1999-2006) fitment answers · E46 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 02V-057 (2002 325i / 330i, front strut upper mount) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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