Swap suspension and front control arms same time

bluewater328 · 07-09-2018, 05:28 AM

Seems like a logical thing, but wanted to get some opinions or warnings.

Planning to swap out my base suspension (2011 e90 328i LCI) for sport suspension. Got everything for that from Strut Monkey (including new rear upper and lower mounts) and I’m ready to go to work on it but one of the control arm bushings is going (driver front).

Not going to go for M3 control arms, just replace the stock (I don’t believe there was any upgrade for sport suspension). So the question is just whether it will introduce too many variables if I tackle both.

All opinions welcome!

Zarrachan · 07-09-2018, 06:04 AM

First One

gjm120 · 07-09-2018, 01:38 PM

The M3 arms are an upgrade so you should research and decide if you want to do it. They will bring a little more NVH to the ride. If you go M arms, just buy the TRW branded ones.

I'd recommend doing it all at once. Having the arms out makes removing and installing the struts easier. And you would potentially save a second alignment.

tlow98 · 07-09-2018, 06:08 PM

Yeah, do it all at once. Then just get to alignment w/in reasonable time. It’s not fun to do some of that work twice.

The Nightman · 07-11-2018, 02:39 PM

I also recommend doing both at the same time. You have to drop/loosen the control arms anyway to get the struts out.

I did M3 tension struts with stock wishbones. Slight increase in NVH but steering feels much sharper. The solid bushings should last a lot longer too

bluewater328 · 07-11-2018, 03:15 PM

Odd question, but I know if you do the M3 control arms, its recommended to use a new bolt set...but if I just replace with standard control arms, do I need to replace the bolts as well (or can they be reused)?

07-09-2018, 05:28 AM	#1
bluewater328 Colonel 626 Rep 2,100 Posts Drives: 2011 bluewater 328i LCI sedan Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Swap suspension and front control arms same time Seems like a logical thing, but wanted to get some opinions or warnings. Planning to swap out my base suspension (2011 e90 328i LCI) for sport suspension. Got everything for that from Strut Monkey (including new rear upper and lower mounts) and I’m ready to go to work on it but one of the control arm bushings is going (driver front). Not going to go for M3 control arms, just replace the stock (I don’t believe there was any upgrade for sport suspension). So the question is just whether it will introduce too many variables if I tackle both. All opinions welcome!
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07-09-2018, 06:04 AM	#2
Zarrachan Banned 15 Rep 50 Posts Drives: BMW 3 Series (E90) Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	First One
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07-09-2018, 01:38 PM	#3
gjm120 Colonel 2182 Rep 2,806 Posts Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: East Texas iTrader: (1)	The M3 arms are an upgrade so you should research and decide if you want to do it. They will bring a little more NVH to the ride. If you go M arms, just buy the TRW branded ones. I'd recommend doing it all at once. Having the arms out makes removing and installing the struts easier. And you would potentially save a second alignment. __________________ E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
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07-09-2018, 06:08 PM	#4
tlow98 Brigadier General 2179 Rep 4,997 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Yeah, do it all at once. Then just get to alignment w/in reasonable time. It’s not fun to do some of that work twice.
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07-11-2018, 02:39 PM	#5
The Nightman Cometh 1090 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	I also recommend doing both at the same time. You have to drop/loosen the control arms anyway to get the struts out. I did M3 tension struts with stock wishbones. Slight increase in NVH but steering feels much sharper. The solid bushings should last a lot longer too
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07-11-2018, 03:15 PM	#6
bluewater328 Colonel 626 Rep 2,100 Posts Drives: 2011 bluewater 328i LCI sedan Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Odd question, but I know if you do the M3 control arms, its recommended to use a new bolt set...but if I just replace with standard control arms, do I need to replace the bolts as well (or can they be reused)?
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