[stevenqdz]

1.couple days ago bought my car in for the fourth time related to "engine malfunction! Reduced power light". but to my surprise its not the hpfp this time but intake camshaft sensor gone bad instead. fixed that.

2.dealer found thrust arm bushing needed to be replace and quoted me 550 plus tax(part and labor) to replace just the bushing. took the car back went to a local indy shop for a second opinion but they insisted i change the whole arm included the ball joints and the lower control arm as well just to save on labor in future, asking ~$980(550 parts+430 labor) and claims its very common problems for bmw since he also own one.

3. took the car back, went online bought the whole kit for e90xi for $500 shipped, went to a second indy shop to get a different quote. this one told me the everything looks good but for both thrust arm do need to be replaced, asking $200 for labor if i provide the parts. also recommended not to change the lower control arm since its in very good condition.

sorry for the long story

4.now i have come to the e90post for ideas about what should i do next.
already bought the whole kit( shipped ) and
car is 2008 335xi (since its awd, it limited what i can do in term of upgrades)

A. went to the first indy shop and pay 430 in labor ask them to install everything

B. go to the second auto body pay 200 install just the thrust arm and ball joints and save the 2 lower control arm for future repair.

c. man up! and do the job my self with very limited tools and pray i dont screw it up. and save 200 to 400 in labor.

[Whateva]

B if they include alignment.

[stevenqdz]

guess ill go with option "B" too, after some research seems like the removal of the ball joint might be a problem for me. no alignment included on the quoted 200 labor.

Why did you purchase the lower arms, they don't wear that quickly, should have done more research, all you needed to do was purchase complete thrust arm replacements for less then $200 and have a shop install them, then do your alignment a week later.