Section 22 (Rear Suspension - Repair - E46): Description
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 42 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, and 2005 BMW 330Ci. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The E46 uses independent rear suspension. Trailing arms locate the rear wheels and anchor the coil springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The differential is mounted to the rear axle carrier with rubber mounts. See Fig 1.