Suspension Overhaul - Front Control Arms

[xeleris]

So I have been looking around for cheaper alternatives to the OEM control arms because they are like 300 bucks a pop, and I'd like to try and save a little bit of money if I can. I've looked at brands like the Meyle HDs and MTC, but I'm not to sure about their quality since I've seen the complaints about many of their parts. I found a kit on Bimmerworld's website that looks pretty promising, and I wanted to get some input: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...-M3-96-99.html


Also, if anyone has any other recommendations, I'm all ears.

[TostitoBandito]

Just buy new ball joints and DIY them. If I recall it was less than $100 for both arms when I did it a couple years back. There's lots of threads around here with details and part numbers, but the gist of it is you buy the E30 Lemforder ball joints (one inner and one outer per arm), press the old ones out with a big harbor freight 20 ton press (or something similar), and then press the new ones in. If you don't have access to one, you may be able to find a shop that will do it for you. That is certainly far cheaper than buying whole replacement arms of any type. Unless the metal in your arms is damaged/bent, there's not really any reason to replace the entire arm.

[blckstrm]

If you DO go the DIY route, do it yourself - don't have a shop do it. It'll be cheaper to just get the Harbor Freight press, plus you'll know it was done right. And then you'll have a press, too.

I paid a shop to do the pressing and they trashed one of the joints. FCP is free replacement but not free shipping.

But then again, I'm completely and permanently soured on letting ANYONE else touch my car.

[xeleris]

Just buy new ball joints and DIY them. If I recall it was less than $100 for both arms when I did it a couple years back. There's lots of threads around here with details and part numbers, but the gist of it is you buy the E30 Lemforder ball joints (one inner and one outer per arm), press the old ones out with a big harbor freight 20 ton press (or something similar), and then press the new ones in. If you don't have access to one, you may be able to find a shop that will do it for you. That is certainly far cheaper than buying whole replacement arms of any type. Unless the metal in your arms is damaged/bent, there's not really any reason to replace the entire arm.

Sweet, I had no clue that was even possible! Thanks for the info on that

- - - Updated - - -

If you DO go the DIY route, do it yourself - don't have a shop do it. It'll be cheaper to just get the Harbor Freight press, plus you'll know it was done right. And then you'll have a press, too.

I paid a shop to do the pressing and they trashed one of the joints. FCP is free replacement but not free shipping.

But then again, I'm completely and permanently soured on letting ANYONE else touch my car.

I can relate, I'm the same way. I do everything myself, and I've got a shop that I work in, so equipment to do a job like this is no issue for me

[Left Coast]

Just order from fcp if you have issues they have life time replacement on all parts.

[Hova]

So I have been looking around for cheaper alternatives to the OEM control arms because they are like 300 bucks a pop, and I'd like to try and save a little bit of money if I can. I've looked at brands like the Meyle HDs and MTC, but I'm not to sure about their quality since I've seen the complaints about many of their parts. I found a kit on Bimmerworld's website that looks pretty promising, and I wanted to get some input: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...-M3-96-99.html


Also, if anyone has any other recommendations, I'm all ears.

I've got a few sets with new pressed in Lemforder balljoints. I'll let them go for $100 plus whatever the shipping is.

Just buy new ball joints and DIY them. If I recall it was less than $100 for both arms when I did it a couple years back. There's lots of threads around here with details and part numbers, but the gist of it is you buy the E30 Lemforder ball joints (one inner and one outer per arm), press the old ones out with a big harbor freight 20 ton press (or something similar), and then press the new ones in. If you don't have access to one, you may be able to find a shop that will do it for you. That is certainly far cheaper than buying whole replacement arms of any type. Unless the metal in your arms is damaged/bent, there's not really any reason to replace the entire arm.

Just order from fcp if you have issues they have life time replacement on all parts.

[Mless5]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ms-REFURBISHED