not all tie rod ends are created equal

[leendertn]

Did a front end update on my 1987 325i convertible..replaced the shocks (Bilstein), control arms, tie rods (inner and outer). When I went for a front end alignment a few 100 miles later, the mechanic told me the knuckle of the left (driver side) was rubbing on the inside of the wheel, not by much, but it was rubbing. Tried figuring out what brand I had bought, but could not determine that as my Bavauto login no longer was valid( they went out of business). Looked at various other vendors and ending up bying just one tie rod end by Lemfoerder (around 40 bucks). Luckily, that turned out to be a good choice as the next front end alignment went without a hitch. Yeah! Lemfoerder is an OEM for BMW, the one I purchased was likely a Meyle (looks bigger in the pics online). So, just a reminder...even though a particular brand may fit ok, that does not mean it's the best choice for your car.

[superj]

I have had to shave them down in the past, for that reason. Just the edge that wanted to hit the wheel

[H.J. 1981]

Did a front end update on my 1987 325i convertible..replaced the shocks (Bilstein), control arms, tie rods (inner and outer). When I went for a front end alignment a few 100 miles later, the mechanic told me the knuckle of the left (driver side) was rubbing on the inside of the wheel, not by much, but it was rubbing. Tried figuring out what brand I had bought, but could not determine that as my Bavauto login no longer was valid( they went out of business). Looked at various other vendors and ending up bying just one tie rod end by Lemfoerder (around 40 bucks). Luckily, that turned out to be a good choice as the next front end alignment went without a hitch. Yeah! Lemfoerder is an OEM for BMW, the one I purchased was likely a Meyle (looks bigger in the pics online). So, just a reminder...even though a particular brand may fit ok, that does not mean it's the best choice for your car.

I removed the complete tie rods off my 1990 325i, they are the original ones from BMW/Delivered with the car. They have both BMW and TRW symbols on them (BMW on the ball joint and TRW on the arm).

TRW is the OE supplier for M control arms as well, at least for the E8x/E9x M models anyways.

I have Lemfoerder tie rods on my car, and was considering changing them to TRW, or not unsure yet, new ones are just fine.

[richardodn]

Lemfoerder on these 80's era BMWs whenever possible. They were the OEM for that period. If yours were original BMW and TRW, it's likely TRW was in the second supplier role.

[H.J. 1981]

Lemfoerder on these 80's era BMWs whenever possible. They were the OEM for that period. If yours were original BMW and TRW, it's likely TRW was in the second supplier role.

Anything is possible really, so even the control arms are Lemforder/TRW i recon?

[H.J. 1981]

Just a heads up, i replaced the LCAs with TRW ones.

The original ones had no markings except a code (1707 or similar) and a very small BMW logo stamped on the end part.

I know the PO replaced the ball joints on both arms in 2014 (which is not recommended as per the manual).