e36 front control arm halp

[5style]

So ive been reading and aparantley e30 control arms fit e36s. They have solid metal outer balljoints. Is anyone knowledgable enough to say if they last longer?

[T.Dot_E30]

I know e36 control arms on an e30 messes up the geometry of the wheel, the wheel ends not being centered unless other things are changed.
So therefore I assume it would do the reverse to an e36. The reason why guys use e36 control arms on an e30 is for the 5-lug swap.

On another note,
E30 ball joints work and can be pressed into E36 M3 control arms.
E36 M3 ball joints aren't replaceable (there is no part#).

Non-ms are replaceable, but regardless what are you trying to achieve? I don't think it's worth the trouble, just replace it with what you have. (unless you have m3 control arms)
Ball Joints were a weak part on both cars......just consider it a wear item and change it.

[SiR]

you can replace the e36 m3 ball joints.

thank me later

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1545037

[T.Dot_E30]

Originally Posted by T.Dot_E30

On another note,
E30 ball joints work and can be pressed into E36 M3 control arms.
E36 M3 ball joints aren't replaceable (there is no part#).

Originally Posted by SiR

you can replace the e36 m3 ball joints.

thank me later

Thank you for what? Repeating what I said or for providing a link to bf.c?

[ScotcH]

Just get the Meyle HD control arms and call it a day.

[SiR]

both...
technically you can replace the e36 m3 ball joints..with e30 units...and yes theres a link with part numbers for..anyone to refer to

[richie_s999]

Originally Posted by SiR

both...
technically you can replace the e36 m3 ball joints..with e30 units...and yes theres a link with part numbers for..anyone to refer to

[5style]

Ok, thats what I figured , I was hoping to get extented durability basically, just heard that the e30 balljoints end up lasting longer thats all. Im just going to order meyle hd for now and save for new shocks and springs my konis are showing their wear too

[doogee]

Originally Posted by ScotcH

Just get the Meyle HD control arms and call it a day.

Couldn't agree more!

[325iA]

I agree with the Meyle HD arms; they served me well on my car. As well as their rear shock bushings too....

[Hurricane240]

Meyel HD over Lemforder?

I'm about to replace my front arms as well.

I did them 70k ago with Karalyn parts... #$#@$ trash IMO.

[ScotcH]

Originally Posted by Hurricane240

Meyel HD over Lemforder?

I'm about to replace my front arms as well.

I did them 70k ago with Karalyn parts... #$#@$ trash IMO.

Well if money is no object, then I'd go with OE Lemforder.

[325iA]

I can't speak to the durability of the Lemforder control arms (their tie-rod ends are working well on my Porsche 944), but over 5 years/102K kms my Meyle HD control arms served me well on my 325i. The reason I chose them was that they use a full metal ball socket with a larger ball joint than stock. The reason for the failure of the OEM ball joints is that they actually have a rubber surround between the ball joint body and the shell that breaks down and causes play, that then causes the ball joint to fail.

Well, that's according to the reason given by Meyle on their website for their re-engineered HD parts---check out their website http://www.meyle.com/EN/Service/Down...formation.html and go to page 9 dated 2004/12 'Control Arm (full metal version)". There you can download a PDF on the product and at the top of the page is part numbers for just the ball joints or an entire control arm assembly, and even a pair of control arms.

Hopefully this helps. I started to get a slight vibration in my front end on certain small sharp bumps that I though may have been a ball joint going, but it turned out to be the left front stabilizer bar bushing had play in it when you hit the stab. bar with your hand---the rest of the suspension was tight. I also recommend looking at their rear strut mounts; page 11 dated 2002/09 "Strut Mount". I had them in for 120K kms---I checked their condition when I removed the rear shocks (I was parting the car out) and they were in excellent shape.

[Hurricane240]

Good info 325iA, thanks for the link I'll be sure to check it out.

SO the Meyle HD is a full metal ball joint much like the E30 ball joints, so the ride may be a bit harsher as a sacrafice.

So torn!

[dcramer]

Originally Posted by ScotcH

Just get the Meyle HD control arms and call it a day.

Can you get Meyle arms for an M3 ? I thought they were non-M only ?