M3 front contol arm bushings only

E90Mack · 05-19-2015, 09:42 PM

Does anyone know if you can simply press OEM M3 bushings into your front control arms? I ask because I'm not finding them as a stand alone part. The only way I see that you can go M3 is to buy the entire control arm. Any thoughts?

justpete · 05-19-2015, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Mack

Does anyone know if you can simply press OEM M3 bushings into your front control arms? I ask because I'm not finding them as a stand alone part. The only way I see that you can go M3 is to buy the entire control arm. Any thoughts?

They're a larger diameter than non-M parts and won't fit. You have to swap the control arms to M3 parts. At least with the tension strut, which is usually all that's really needed, it doesn't require an alignment when finished.

Volasko · 05-20-2015, 10:43 AM

The M3 arm is actually a different length so its not just the bushing/ball joint that make it M3.

simon · 05-20-2015, 10:56 AM

the upper control arm (tension strut) is exactly the same, except for bushing:

the lower control arm (wishbone) is completely different. I don't think you can just swap bushings:

feuer · 05-20-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Mack

Does anyone know if you can simply press OEM M3 bushings into your front control arms? I ask because I'm not finding them as a stand alone part. The only way I see that you can go M3 is to buy the entire control arm. Any thoughts?

not worth the labor since the ball joint on the other end of the control arm will remain old, you are better off replacing the whole unit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

the upper control arm (tension strut) is exactly the same, except for bushing:

I believe they are longer as well. Not set in stone...

mlifxs · 05-20-2015, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

not worth the labor since the ball joint on the other end of the control arm will remain old, you are better off replacing the whole unit.

I believe they are longer as well. Not set in stone...

but what about?....

E90Mack · 05-21-2015, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

not worth the labor since the ball joint on the other end of the control arm will remain old, you are better off replacing the whole unit.

I believe they are longer as well. Not set in stone...

but what about?....

Wow

simon · 05-21-2015, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

not worth the labor since the ball joint on the other end of the control arm will remain old, you are better off replacing the whole unit.

I believe they are longer as well. Not set in stone...

I had the two in my hand. They're exactly the same

feuer · 05-21-2015, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

I had the two in my hand. They're exactly the same

me as well, few times, but haven't measured, that's why I said is not set in stone.

Phil325i · 05-21-2015, 09:06 AM

Erm...your image sucks. The top line measures 70mm and lower line 60mm!

Name: which is longer.jpg
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fravel · 05-21-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Erm...your image sucks. The top line measures 70mm and lower line 60mm!

Attachment 1213110

Yeah, those are not the same no matter how you measure it.

sukutash · 05-21-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

the upper control arm (tension strut) is exactly the same, except for bushing:

the lower control arm (wishbone) is completely different. I don't think you can just swap bushings:

To reiterate, the upper arm/tension strut is the same except the bushing. I upgraded my bushing only, with the Powerflex race bushing. I inspected my ball joint, as another member mentioned, and it was in excellent shape. I believe that by keeping the original upper arm/tension strut and upgrading/replacing the bushing to a Powerflex or Whiteline piece is an upgrade above the M3 bushing. Take into consideration the extra labor to press the bushing in and out, and the condition of the ball joint.

The lower arm/wishbone is a totally different piece. The only similarity may be the ball joint. M3 wishbone is longer, has different geometry, more robust and a sealed joint vs a bushing. I r&r'ed my wishbone and it's a very simple operation except for light sanding of the inside faces where it mounts to the subframe. This may or may not be necessary in some cases.

05-19-2015, 09:42 PM	#1
E90Mack Private 6 Rep 93 Posts Drives: x Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Rafael, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 [6.00] 2006 X3 2.5 [0.00]	M3 front contol arm bushings only Does anyone know if you can simply press OEM M3 bushings into your front control arms? I ask because I'm not finding them as a stand alone part. The only way I see that you can go M3 is to buy the entire control arm. Any thoughts?
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05-20-2015, 10:43 AM	#3
Volasko Colonel 704 Rep 2,604 Posts Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW 530e M Sport [9.00] 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.28]	The M3 arm is actually a different length so its not just the bushing/ball joint that make it M3.
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05-20-2015, 10:56 AM	#4
simon Second Lieutenant 65 Rep 222 Posts Drives: E92 Montego Blue 328i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	the upper control arm (tension strut) is exactly the same, except for bushing: the lower control arm (wishbone) is completely different. I don't think you can just swap bushings:
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05-21-2015, 09:06 AM	#10
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Erm...your image sucks. The top line measures 70mm and lower line 60mm! __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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