[djgandy]

Has anyone done this job before, replacing the bushing rather than the whole arm? Is there any way of removing the bushing other than getting a BMW bushing tool? A press would work no?

Most posts I've found are people going for a full M3 setup, but I don't really want to spend £300+ on this. From what I have read they are prone to wear and my steering isn't quite as tight as it used to be so I figured these are a good place to start.

For reference #10
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E9...tension_strut/

[Dan-danGT]

I'm also curious on this as mine is a little wandery compared to when I bought it, also there is a faint thud somewhere on certain pot holes

[RajB]

I've done them on the E53 but not the E9*. A press would certainly do to get them out but you need to find out if there is any available to replace them. See if powerflex do them in which case it's certainly a doable job.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by RajB

I've done them on the E53 but not the E9*. A press would certainly do to get them out but you need to find out if there is any available to replace them. See if powerflex do them in which case it's certainly a doable job.

I can get the replacement part for the upper control arm no problem. Turner motorsport also seems to indicate that the M3 bushings are usable on the non M control arms. They are meant to be more durable and cost practically the same.

[RajB]

Originally Posted by djgandy

I can get the replacement part for the upper control arm no problem. Turner motorsport also seems to indicate that the M3 bushings are usable on the non M control arms. They are meant to be more durable and cost practically the same.

That's cool then. Local decent garage should have a press then to swap the actual bushings over.

[djgandy]

Having spent some time doing research it seems that it is best to replace the arms, especially as after hiring tools for bushings the cost of doing the whole arms is only 2x.

So then I looked into OEM M3 arms, rather than BMW tax priced.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TRW-JTC1423-...DFG3596MFPTRGD

TRW JTC1423 Track Control Arm by TRW - £49.48
TRW JTC1426 Track Control Arm by TRW - £42.07
TRW JTC1424 Track Control Arm by TRW - £71.53
TRW JTC1427 Track Control Arm by TRW - £35.16

The cost of these is only £20 more than replacing with standard TRW arms. Amazon's prices are interesting too. Quite a spread there.

[Jules59]

What is the advantage in replacing the standard MSport track control arms with these M3 arms from TRW ?

I ask because my lowered E91 Msport has creaking suspension and I suspect Im going to have to replace some bushes/arms soon. The creaking is not from the ARB bushes or drop links.

[RajB]

I'd definitely go M3 arms especially at the little cost difference. It's a worthwhile mod as the bushes are far stiffer but still complient and the arms provide a little more camber possibly.

[djgandy]

I think the bushes on the M3 arms are much better. I think they are polyurethane? rather than rubber so they don't perish so easily and are firmer.

The design is slightly different too, but aside from that they are not much different. They cost basically the same from OEM