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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > M3 control arm question



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      09-19-2019, 08:09 AM   #1
tony55343
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M3 control arm question

Quick question, yes I have searched .

I plan on upgrading to the M3 front control arms on my 2008 335i . I have seen it mentioned before it is recommended/required to replace the bolts/hardware for the arms when swapping them out. However, none of the threads regarding it really mention if people have replaced them..1. Is it reuired to change the bolts/mounting hardware when swapping to M3 front arms?

2. If it is, could someone provide the correct part/kit # ? I would be purchasing from FCP Euro and cannot determine which would be required.

Thanks for the help in advance!!!
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      09-19-2019, 02:02 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tony55343 View Post
Quick question, yes I have searched .

I plan on upgrading to the M3 front control arms on my 2008 335i . I have seen it mentioned before it is recommended/required to replace the bolts/hardware for the arms when swapping them out. However, none of the threads regarding it really mention if people have replaced them..1. Is it reuired to change the bolts/mounting hardware when swapping to M3 front arms?

2. If it is, could someone provide the correct part/kit # ? I would be purchasing from FCP Euro and cannot determine which would be required.

Thanks for the help in advance!!!
I replaced them. Probably roughly half replace them.
FCP sell a kit with the required fasteners for about $45. It's usually listed with the arms themselves.
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      09-19-2019, 03:08 PM   #3
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As I recall (I'd have to check for sure), I bought this OEM kit and all of the necessary hardware from ECS here:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/e9xm3310801/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...31106763928kt/

Not sure if my indie actually used all of the new hardware provided.
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      09-19-2019, 04:23 PM   #4
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Personally, I would replace them whether using M3 control arms or the standard non-M E90 arms. I recently loosened my bolts to install struts and was a bit paranoid about retightening them since they are apparently torque to yield bolts with a locking nut. There's a torque spec plus an 90 degree rotation required. I torqued them then rotated an additional 45 degrees, using loctite on the nuts just for peace of mind. BUT when I replace control arms I'm getting new hardware, it's cheap enough to just do it.

I read several reports that when installing M3 control arms onto a non-M it's difficult to get the bushings into the bracket on the subframe. Is there any truth to this?
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      09-19-2019, 04:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lowrydr310 View Post
Personally, I would replace them whether using M3 control arms or the standard non-M E90 arms. I recently loosened my bolts to install struts and was a bit paranoid about retightening them since they are apparently torque to yield bolts with a locking nut. There's a torque spec plus an 90 degree rotation required. I torqued them then rotated an additional 45 degrees, using loctite on the nuts just for peace of mind. BUT when I replace control arms I'm getting new hardware, it's cheap enough to just do it.

I read several reports that when installing M3 control arms onto a non-M it's difficult to get the bushings into the bracket on the subframe. Is there any truth to this?
Yes.

You will need a file or a dremmel with really corse sanding wheels.

When I did mine, the control arm wouldn't fit unless I shaved about 1/16 of an inch out inside the subframe fitting.
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      09-20-2019, 04:12 AM   #6
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Just use sand band or file to shave off a bit from each side of the control arm knuckle/axle. Lubricate the correspond part of subframe and push it in.
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      09-20-2019, 08:43 AM   #7
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Thanks for the help !!!
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      09-22-2019, 06:49 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tony55343 View Post
Thanks for the help !!!
Of you chose to use lube, use silicone based grease. It won't degrade the rubber bushing in the control arm.

Personally, I wouldn't put a tool any where near the bushing, IMO.
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      09-26-2019, 07:12 AM   #9
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I just installed mine yesterday... was a breeze I used a dremel and sanding a little in the subframe and used anti sieze and they slide in with a little wiggling. I used a screw driver to line them up and inserted the new bolt. Car is driving like crap right now going to get alignment done this afternoon.
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      09-26-2019, 07:38 PM   #10
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After the alignment today WOW!! Get it aligned to the M3 specs and the handling in awesome!! I got the fronts to -1.6 without even removing the alignment pins

Fronts are -1.6 and Rear is -1.8

Definitely a great upgrade!
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      09-27-2019, 07:36 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rgfinn76 View Post
After the alignment today WOW!! Get it aligned to the M3 specs and the handling in awesome!! I got the fronts to -1.6 without even removing the alignment pins

Fronts are -1.6 and Rear is -1.8

Definitely a great upgrade!
Awesome good to hear ! could you post the alignment sheet so I can see all the specs?

I just tell them to do the alignment specs to an M3 of the same year and I will be good to go?
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      09-28-2019, 10:49 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by tony55343 View Post
Awesome good to hear ! could you post the alignment sheet so I can see all the specs?

I just tell them to do the alignment specs to an M3 of the same year and I will be good to go?
I’ll post later when I get home... Yes they will load the M3 specs and align to that. Mine is 08 E92 Sport Coupe.
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      09-30-2019, 08:00 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rgfinn76 View Post
I’ll post later when I get home... Yes they will load the M3 specs and align to that. Mine is 08 E92 Sport Coupe.
Mine is also an 08 e92 sport coupe
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