Aftermarket Control Arms?

[ProPerDoper]

Anyone have experience with aftermarket front upper control arms made by Hamburg Technic Germany?

These are sold on Ebay with positive feedback, two for $104.00 plus shipping.

[CeloC]

I was reading about lower control arms earlier and people were saying that Hamburg Technic sucks compared to Lemfoerder and other OEMs, and that the lower price isn't worth it now if you're going to have to change them out again in 3 years. (I was reading reviews for their LCAs but I bet its the general sentiment with all their products).

The reviews and advice successfully convinced me to stay away from them...

I think I was searching lower control arms in the e36 forums if you want to try to find the thread..

Hope that helps

[ProPerDoper]

I was reading about lower control arms earlier and people were saying that Hamburg Technic sucks compared to Lemfoerder and other OEMs, and that the lower price isn't worth it now if you're going to have to change them out again in 3 years. (I was reading reviews for their LCAs but I bet its the general sentiment with all their products).

The reviews and advice successfully convinced me to stay away from them...

I think I was searching lower control arms in the e36 forums if you want to try to find the thread..

Hope that helps

Actually... it helps a lot.

I searched....guess what I found:

"Be very careful with those eBay suspension parts. Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you ONLY buy Lemforder, Febi/Bilstein or MOOG suspension parts for that car.

TRW parts are awful for your application and Hamburg Technic stuff is worse than junk."

I clearly need to investigate further. I can get Fibi/Bilstein for $126 each, but I sure like the lower prices on Ebay.

Sure do wish I could hear from someone that had actual experience with Hamburg Technic.

[szed]

Believe those that have already gone down your path. Don't be cheap or skimp on the control arms/ball joints. There's a video of an e46 m3 (?) at Laguna Seca that had a control arm ball joint fail. No bueno. If the car only see's street either Lemforder or Meyle are the only ones I'd trust.

[ProPerDoper]

Believe those that have already gone down your path. Don't be cheap or skimp on the control arms/ball joints. There's a video of an e46 m3 (?) at Laguna Seca that had a control arm ball joint fail. No bueno. If the car only see's street either Lemforder or Meyle are the only ones I'd trust.

Appreciate the input.

I have to wonder if I should just keep the existing control arms, and install new Lemforder bushings at $50/set + $30 to have them pressed out/in. I liked the idea of having all new including the ball joints, but it's adding up if I stick with a quality product, and I haven't gotten the labor quote yet.

How many pennies still in da jar? Always an issue when there's several young mouths to feed at home.....

[CeloC]

I've heard OK/good things about Meyle too. UUC sells Meyle-made RSMs...

I'm not sure what you should do (keep existing w/ new bushings or buy all new)...but here are some Meyle upper control arms for your 740 I figured I'd share:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__BMW-E38-Control-ARMS-Arm-2-Upper-MEYLE-740-750-iL-NEW_W0QQitemZ140267855644QQadiZ2865QQadnZCarQ20Q26 Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewItem QQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item1 40267855644&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

[ProPerDoper]

I've heard OK/good things about Meyle too. UUC sells Meyle-made RSMs...

I'm not sure what you should do (keep existing w/ new bushings or buy all new)...but here are some Meyle upper control arms for your 740 I figured I'd share:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__BMW-E38-Control-ARMS-Arm-2-Upper-MEYLE-740-750-iL-NEW_W0QQitemZ140267855644QQadiZ2865QQadnZCarQ20Q26 Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewItem QQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item1 40267855644&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5335818596&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2F_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__BMW-E38-Control-ARMS-Arm-2-Upper-MEYLE-740-750-iL-NEW_W0QQitemZ140267855644QQadiZ2865QQadnZCarQ20Q26 Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewItem QQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories%3Fhash%3Di tem140267855644%26amp%3B_trksid%3Dp4506.c0.m245%26 amp%3B_trkparms%3D72%253A1171%7C65%253A12%7C39%253 A1%7C240%253A1318)

Thanks for the effort...big time!

I found those exact items also, called to discuss it as the retailer is very near where I live. I like what I see...likely one of the best values out there for quality.

I had another shop look at it today. Independent Mechanic that spend 8.5 yrs with BMW dealership nearby. Nice family business, and seems to know his stuff. He test drove my car, diagnosed worn thrust arm bushings (control arm) by stepping on the brakes rapidly to generate a "clunk" in the front end. He suggests replacing bushings only, no need to replace thrust arms if ball joint is good, and it seems they are.

He quoted $386 for the complete job using original OEM bushings. I may end up going that direction.

[CeloC]

Thanks for the effort...big time!

I found those exact items also, called to discuss it as the retailer is very near where I live. I like what I see...likely one of the best values out there for quality.

I had another shop look at it today. Independent Mechanic that spend 8.5 yrs with BMW dealership nearby. Nice family business, and seems to know his stuff. He test drove my car, diagnosed worn thrust arm bushings (control arm) by stepping on the brakes rapidly to generate a "clunk" in the front end. He suggests replacing bushings only, no need to replace thrust arms if ball joint is good, and it seems they are.

He quoted $386 for the complete job using original OEM bushings. I may end up going that direction.

No problem, you're welcome.

That's OK I guess, if you don't want to do it yourself or with any local bmw guys. You could do search the California forums or PM a nearby bfc member...

Looks like you've got it figured out though. Happy modding