They're Mevotech brand from RockAuto (I know, I know). After doing some quick searches after the fact, it looks like I've probably set myself up for premature failure. Unfortunately I don't have the time to wait until FCPeuro gets in more Lemforders. My M3 sedan just got relegated to daily duty (in MI nonetheless, although the roads I drive everyday aren't terrible) and I just put stainless steel brake hoses on the front and I'm getting ready to replace the front drivers caliper along with pads and rotors on both sides. The control arms look tired, so I figured I'd replace them while I'm in there. I don't plan on dailying the car for longer than 3 months, so hopefully the new arms last that long. It looks like the Mevotechs are the same part numbers as the ones that ECS Tuning sells with their refresh kit, so we'll see how long they hold up. They come with a 5 year warranty, so worse case scenario is that they fail and I replace them again with higher quality parts.
rockauto control arms.JPG <-- Click to zoom in. These are the ones I ordered from RockAuto.
Last edited by Cos270; 08-05-2019 at 09:04 AM.
When pressing out the balljoints, I find it easier if I first cut off the rubber boots and wiped away the grease. Then I can get a better view of seating the press socket on the balljoint. BTW, I love the cardboard "safety shield" on the earler post
I bought some Meyle HD ones from ECS for $200....which I thought was decent
1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)
1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
Auto/Convertible and staying stock!
I believe the MTC Forward Lower Control Arm have the geometry of the 1995M3 (and all non-M E36), not the geometry of the 1996+M3.
I believe the caster loss can be made up by using offset (1995M3) FLCABs.
Not sure if there is a camber loss or how to make it up.
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Last edited by bluptgm3; 08-05-2019 at 02:59 PM.
Best $20 I ever spent
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...tor-99849.html
Used pickle forks for years, but if you want to re-use the ball joint, have to be very careful of the boot. The HF tool makes it a snap and saves the boots if the arm is going back in without new ball joints. Don't use an impact on it, I boogered up the threads first one doing that. Just get the tool tight on the ball joint threads and tap the knuckle with a hammer and they come out in about 15sec, takes longer to undo the nut hehe.
Last edited by ForcedFirebird; 08-05-2019 at 01:23 PM.
So are the MTC ones good quality? I’m having buyers remorse after the Mevotech ones came in and am thinking about playing it safe and getting the MTCs.
Ultimately you want a solid outer ball joint for “M” applications, so perhaps Lemforder for 1995M3 or E36 Meyle HD.
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Pretty much followed this exact set up - let the ball joints sit with penetrating oil for a bit then press 3 of the 4 out with no issue - used a 2” galvanized coupling to allow the arm to sit flush and then on the last one I f*cked up and damaged the arm by pressing at an angle, it shifted While pressing - now I need to find a donor arm :/
Do Z3 Control Arms work with 96+ E36 M3??
4853138F-FDA7-40DC-B577-C9997E124E6F.jpg
28AE9345-0077-480C-85F8-30EF04A5C7B1.jpg
Last edited by persiandude; 08-07-2019 at 10:38 PM.
[SIZE="1"]1997 M3/4/5 18x8.5 Hartge Classics, F1 Stage 2 Clutch Kit
:one This Year :: Koni inserts, HR Sport, Rogue RSM, Ball Joints, Powerflex LCAB, Adjustable Sway Links (DIY), Headliner, MM Underpanel, 3 spoke wheel swap, BavSound Speakers, Bluetooth radio adapter
Well, I ended up chickening out on the Mevotech's from RockAuto. Figured I'd save myself the time and future headaches and just get decent parts. I ordered this kit from Bimmerworld instead:
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Front-Co...-M3-96-99.html
Mevotech's are getting returned.
I will be doing this soon for my '98 E36M and I found that the Lemforder parts are more expensive than the OEM BMW parts.
I mean, please correct me if I'm missing something here.
Curious why this might be the case.
https://www.autopartsway.com/search....:w0133~1626314
$26.62
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-31121126253l?
$18.22
Note that the non-1996+M3 Forward Lower Control Arms (geometry) combined with 1995M3 Offset FLCA Bushings (geometry) may or may not fully replicate the 1996+M3 FLCAs with Centered FLCA Bushings.
Get an alignment and report back, it may well be close enough.
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Last edited by bluptgm3; 08-09-2019 at 03:11 PM.
Will do. One of the 7(!) prior owners replaced the LCA bushings with centered purple poly ones that appear to be in good shape, so I think it's safe to say that either these are probably the original control arms, or they were replaced with OEM 96+ M3 LCA's. Will keep everyone updated once the parts come in and I get them fitted.
Is there a "standard" length (or approximate length) I can use for the new tie rods? Will an alignment shop dial in the lengths of the tie rods?
When I took the tie rods off I had to break them into parts - inner and out and then remove due to some issues etc... so I can't reference my old tie rods when adjusting the length of the new ones.
Last edited by persiandude; 08-20-2019 at 02:00 PM.
[SIZE="1"]1997 M3/4/5 18x8.5 Hartge Classics, F1 Stage 2 Clutch Kit
:one This Year :: Koni inserts, HR Sport, Rogue RSM, Ball Joints, Powerflex LCAB, Adjustable Sway Links (DIY), Headliner, MM Underpanel, 3 spoke wheel swap, BavSound Speakers, Bluetooth radio adapter
Linking to more current discussion
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-Arm-Solutions
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