[Emilime75]

I understand many say it isn't worth it to upgrade, but are there any downsides to them? Let's say my bushings are worn and I want to buy new control arms...and the M3/TRW parts aren't much more than 335i parts, is there anything to be gained by going M3 at all?

[6ixSpd]

There is zero downside other than the marginal difference in cost. Period.

[autoart]

I did it, and ever since my inside rear tire wear has been reduced a lot. I know people say it's a waste, but I disagree. I got mine cheap from a salvage yard.

[N54POWR]

If your existing ones are old. The m3 are the best replacement for them. If your existing ones are still in good shape, don't bother.

[Emilime75]

Cool. Are the M3 rears the same dimensions as 335i? As in, they don't alter alignment the way the fronts add some negative camber?

[autoart]

You don't need alignment,but it wouldn't hurt.

[Emilime75]

Yes, I know I'll need and will get an alignment done. The question was if the rear M3 parts differ than 335i like the fronts do? The front M3 control arms add a bit of negative camber, do the rears to anything like that?

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Yes, I know I'll need and will get an alignment done. The question was if the rear M3 parts differ than 335i like the fronts do? The front M3 control arms add a bit of negative camber, do the rears to anything like that?

There are a lot more pieces in the back than there are in the front. Some offer a "performance" benefit; others are basically an equivalent. Do some research...it's been discussed.

Originally Posted by autoart

I did it, and ever since my inside rear tire wear has been reduced a lot. I know people say it's a waste, but I disagree. I got mine cheap from a salvage yard.

You replaced your well worn unit, on a vehicle with questionable alignment, with something that was in better shape...same could be said if you swapped in a factory N54 piece, or a non-broken piece in general.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

There are a lot more pieces in the back than there are in the front. Some offer a "performance" benefit; others are basically an equivalent. Do some research...it's been discussed.

I have searched, but the majority of the results primarily talk about the front end parts, very few get into the M3/335i rear suspension and none have answered my main question about geometry and dimensional differences between the M and non M rear suspension.

I am asking because I am considering ordering this https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-m3-control-arm-upgrade-kit-e82-e88-e90-e91-e92-e93-bmwmcaktfr It's the TRW 11 piece M3 front and rear control arm kit.

[autoart]

Someone did a great write-up on the differences of the stock rear guide/ wishbone vs m3, but I cant find it at the moment. Basically the geometry is the same , but the material is different. Aluminum vs steel and the bushings are different.
I'll keep looking for the post.

[autoart]

Found it: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+rear+wishbone

[Dan Bilzerian]

Just buy poly bushings from Strongflex and push them in!

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by autoart

Found it: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+rear+wishbone

This is fantastic, thank you.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by Dan Bilzerian

Just buy poly bushings from Strongflex and push them in!

I'd rather just replace them.

[Cloud9blue]

Originally Posted by autoart

Found it: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+rear+wishbone

fantastic read. did not know the m3 arms were using the same bushings as the non-M ones.

looks like a toe arm/bushing upgrade is still well worth the money though.

[BMSE92_Harry]

Does replacing the m3 rear control arms require removing anything else? Someone said you can do it by removing the wheels and just straight swap it in without removing any component. And no alignment needed.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by BMSE92_Harry

Does replacing the m3 rear control arms require removing anything else? Someone said you can do it by removing the wheels and just straight swap it in without removing any component. And no alignment needed.

I did my m3 arms just putting the rear of the car on jack stands and removing the tire. Fairly straightforward swap no alignment needed (unless one of your old arms was bent they should all be the same length.)

[Rob09msport]

Rear camberlink changes the way shock mounts and is beneficial also should get after market toe arms

[avocet]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Yes, I know I'll need and will get an alignment done. The question was if the rear M3 parts differ than 335i like the fronts do? The front M3 control arms add a bit of negative camber, do the rears to anything like that?

No geometry change, but when I replaced mine I used M3 TRW arms. Sure, they say there is no difference, but they are just cooler lol. Besides, I was looking into changing the bushings. No you can't see them from outside the car, but I would rather spend money on this than, say. emblem underlays.

And in the somewhat near future I fully intend on a bushing change out. Maybe poly!

[BMSE92_Harry]

I’m planning on changing the 4 piece rear control arms, I guess two are called guide rods, and two are wishbones.
Does the car have to be preloaded before I tighten them?
I watched couple videos and said no alignment needed as long as I don’t touch the toe arms.

[Rob09msport]

Yes to prevent binding of bushings