Control Arms and The E46

[Zchild]

Hello there fellow gearheads and bimmer dreamers it's that time again, what time you ask, well it's Control Arm replacement time once again. It began with a slight shimmy while driving especially on bumpy roads. I thought it was alignment time but discovered when I took her into the shop that I have an amazing amount of play in my front-end. I'm looking at the newer Control Arm replacements, I replaced my control arms at 50K and they have lasted 142K which in itself is amazing. The newer control arms that replace the OEM's last longer and the new non-OEM bushings out-last the original bushings. When all is said and done, it will set me back $1,100+ dollars after the alignment at FunKtion Auto. Just wanted to vent or brag, not sure which, I'm told that the Control Arms usually only last 50K normally. Just my two and a half cents worth. Happy Motoring...

[OwnedbyDuncan]

I know drivers of E30 and E30M3s who replace their front control arms every new drivers school season. When I was doing schools it was every two years.

Dave Apker and the collies

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

FWIW, Bimmerworld is selling control arms for $100 each....

[1996 328ti]

I'm told that the Control Arms usually only last 50K normally. Just my two and a half cents worth. Happy Motoring...

In general or E46? I must have +100K miles on my LCAs and bushings.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

In general or E46? I must have +100K miles on my LCAs and bushings.

Non-M E46 stock control arm bushings are good for about 10-15K in my hands. The life of the control arms is a bit of a different question.