[e9deeznuts]

Do all the suspension components have a similar lifespan?

i.e. My front control arms are nonexistent and I’m curious if it’d be proper to do tie rods and stabilizer bar links and even the rear components too if the failing control arms implies the other components are on the way out as well?

[edycol]

Originally Posted by e9deeznuts

Do all the suspension components have a similar lifespan?

i.e. My front control arms are nonexistent and I’m curious if it’d be proper to do tie rods and stabilizer bar links and even the rear components too if the failing control arms implies the other components are on the way out as well?

At 105k I replaced every single component. Went M3 wishbones wherever possible.

[Brian86]

The other side of the coin...

A lot longer than you think. BMW got WAY better at durability in the early 2000s. These things ain't e36s.

Mine has 325k on it. Entire suspension is OE from Munich in 2005 except the shocks, upper shock mounts, and front strut rod bushings.

The car is far from perfect, but it drives tight, straight, and is a joy. For a stock daily driver what little would change just isn't worth the time for me.

It depends on what level of perfection and what you're doing with the car.

[jacbo]

depends on what climate car is in (rubber deteriorates faster in certain conditions), how the car is driven, condition of the roads, i find that longevity varies between front and rear parts too, regular alignment checks etc etc.

There's a lot of factors that determine how long these parts will last especially as they are multi arm designs. there is no real answer, just replace parts when they start showing signs of wear or you start getting knocks and sloppy steering feel

[Jaronbwall]

Depends on how many potholes you (or previous owners) blasted.
They ruin the tightness in suspension we all love. Ask me how I know.
I've replace a lot parts in the front end but nothing in the rear. Unless you upgrading subframe bushing and bla bla bla the rear is pretty okkk in my opinion. Can't justify going down that rabbit hole yet. I've enjoyed the challenge of fixing maintenance issues. I'm no mechanic so it takes twice as long but it's satisfying either way.
Owners over 125k miles are usually -
A, wealthy and take it to the dealership/Indy for repairs
B, Skilled enough to upgrade/fix most issues
C, Selling the car because they hate it

[Hoody007]

My dampeners were shot by 100K miles, my control arms were gone by 90K. This is on the M-Sport suspension driving through Atlanta roads, riddled with potholes.

Upgraded to M3 control arms and the car is still tight nearly 60K miles later. Replacing my Bilstein B6s with Koni Reds, though, as the Bilsteins are just too stiff for the roads in my area.

All original rear components with no signs of needing to be changed anytime soon.

Personally, I fall into category B, except when it comes to the suspension - rather have an indy handle those jobs.

[whyzee125]

Rubber softens with age, but the front control arms always go first. Usually front control arms, shocks and struts, and upper strut mounts. I'd do rear shock mounts too but the rest of your bushings are likely fine if it's been a California car most of its life and drives tightly.

[edycol]

Also, take into consideration that these things are running on RFT's for some time. Also, suspension is designed with RFT's in mind. Suspension parts have to absorb whatever RFT's transfer. They are different form E36/46 etc.