Mine was a 05 325Ci, Firestone gave a quote for $1,027 for replacement of CTRL ARM W/BALL JNT. Is that really expensive? how hard is that to do yourself?
Last edited by bimmerRAJ; 07-03-2018 at 10:17 AM.
That seems fair including the parts but I'd want to know WHAT BRAND they intend to use. As for doing the job yourself, it's not hard if you have access to a lift. In the garage or driveway on jack stands would be a real PITA in my opinion. I replaced my FCAB's after purchase but I had lift access - and its a job I would not have attempted without.
Just do it. You'll need some healthy torque:1/2" drive metric sockets, to be able to separate ball joints (pickle fork or two hammers) and get a front end alignment after.
There are various kits available for the work, i like to go to fcpeuro.com and I owe them nothing.
Charlie
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to add value to these threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same or similar problem stands on your shoulders.
The new arms and bushings should be Meyle HD. They seem to last the longest amount of time.
Considered.
Do it yourself. Not hard at all. You'll need a pickle fork. A 21mm socket and a 3' extension (for getting to the center control arm nut from the top of the engine, much easier than trying to get it from the bottom.) Replace your control arms and front control arm bushings at the same time.
This is a easy job on jack stands. Don't be scared.
I recommend one of these things instead of a pickle fork:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...tor-99849.html
Less work than hammering on the fork, and it should kill even the most firmly attached joints.
1999 M3/2/5 - Titanium Silver - Track/Weekend Toy
I have a 'stick-it' note posted above my computer from over the past 10 years...It reminds me to NEVER purchase any German suspension part produced from MEYLE!
I have not experienced any problems with parts labeled Meyle-HD.
Maybe you are referring to Myle original parts.
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