Installation of control arm and/or control arm bushings

Boriqua · 11-22-2004, 10:14 AM

Just wanted to know which is the most cost effective. My 2000 323i has 56,000 mi. I have already confirmed the control arm bushings are shot and have read the understeer page on replacing the bushing itself. My question is, would it just be better to replace not only the control arm bushings but the control arm themselves, being that I would have to change ball joints in probably another 20 to 30,000 mi.

Godspeed · 11-25-2004, 04:59 PM

Warranty? If not, yes, I would do the CA's at the same time. Also, the bolts which hold the bushing brackets to the frame and the bolts which hold the reinforcement place to the subframe are 'stretch bolts' and should be replaced.

AcidSnow · 01-10-2005, 10:02 AM

I'm thinking about replacing my bushings, my car is a 1998 328i and they have never been replaced - I get a bit of a shake on corners at higher speeds - how can i test if i need to replace the bushing? also what are these stretch bolts? - will the dealer sell these separate? - do I really need some kind of special press tool - or will a heavy hammer do it? - I hope you guys can answer these questions because the dealer wants $1300 to replace both control arms.

Godspeed · 01-11-2005, 09:47 AM

You should NOT need to replace the control arms on an E36. Very rarely does the ball joint mounting to the chassis fail and other than bending the arm in an accident or something, that would be the only reason to replace the whole arm on an E36. ---> because the lower ball joint is replaceable serperately on E36.

To replace the control arm bushings, your dealer should want ~$361.12 - parts, labour and taxes.

To replace the lower ball joints, your dealer should want ~$189.80 - parts, labour and taxes.

Boriqua · 01-19-2005, 01:12 PM

I had the control arm bushings changed (cost each $35.00 x 2 $70.00 - not from the dealer) Labor was a total of $50.00. Alignment and suspension specialist. Oh! and had the car aligned as well. This was just before X-mas. I suggest you buy your parts (not the dealer) find a skilled local mechanic, otherwise, the instructions are on www.understeer.com. Buena Suerte my friend.