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View Full Version : E46 BMW 330 ZHP Control Arms doityourself



danewilson77
02-03-2011, 04:00 PM
All: Please keep your eyes open for these at maybe a better price. Didn't really wanna pony up 5 bills on control arms.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=3112228212x&utm_source=goog_product&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=3112228212x

$236.57 is best I can find....at Tischer

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=214672

LEFT
31122282121

RIGHT
31122282122

E46 330i Retrofit kit, Performance suspension
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=31_0808&hg=31&fg=95

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/238.png

I put some other info in here in case someone was looking for it...
Thanks for good lookin out.

And..I have a question....what is this? Its almost double the price of the ZHP Control arm @ $550.00!!! ECS wants $627.00 for it..lol.

E46 330i Retrofit kit, A-arm
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/233.png
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=31_0810&hg=31&fg=95

DW77

kayger12
02-03-2011, 04:37 PM
Holy smokes. Was just looking around for you. Doesn't look like they can be had for any less than Turner.

Hoping mine last a good long time.

kayger12
02-03-2011, 04:59 PM
I thought Turner was $229? Might have been looking at the wrong thing.

danewilson77
02-03-2011, 05:10 PM
Wut?

kayger12
02-03-2011, 05:27 PM
:rofl

MisterMotorist
02-03-2011, 08:40 PM
Group buy? Seems like everyone needs them sooner or later....

ZHP-FTW
02-04-2011, 01:12 AM
Dane it looks like Turner will be your best bet. $229 for both isn't that bad. Are you doing preventative replacement or is something broken?

kayger12
02-04-2011, 03:14 AM
Dane it looks like Turner will be your best bet. $229 for both isn't that bad.

They're $229 each on Turner...

danewilson77
02-04-2011, 04:15 AM
Dane it looks like Turner will be your best bet. $229 for both isn't that bad. Are you doing preventative replacement or is something broken?

That's for both? GTFO. I thought that was for one......

danewilson77
02-04-2011, 04:16 AM
They're $229 each on Turner...

ok...whew....thought I was losing it.

MrMaico
02-04-2011, 06:04 AM
$197.24 each here.....

http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/partlocator/

Mtnman
02-04-2011, 06:07 AM
yeah, Dane, whats going on? are your cracked or bent or something? I didnt think this was a part that would need to be replaced PM. pls advise.

danewilson77
02-04-2011, 06:43 AM
yeah, Dane, whats going on? are your cracked or bent or something? I didnt think this was a part that would need to be replaced PM. pls advise.

I have a feeling, the lowering of my car have been "not good" to my inner and outer ball joints.

danewilson77
02-04-2011, 06:45 AM
$197.24 each here.....

http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/partlocator/

Damn...thats about a $75.00 saving there. Thanks Maico.

nk_zhp
02-04-2011, 10:07 AM
looks cheaper here with free shipping.

http://www.rmeuropean.com/

In general, this is one of the cheapest sources for OEM parts that I know of. Depending on what you are looking for Autopartswarehouse.com has descent deals as well... but a lot of OEM stuff isn't there.

3ZHPGUY
02-05-2011, 07:20 PM
Check this out

Full thread, see post #17 http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=5315416

The arms are the same for the ZHP and ZSP (31 12 2 282 121/22) from 03 on. These are considered "heavy-duty" for "sporty" driving. They are noticably beefier than the 31 12 6 758 519/20 (sport prior to 03) or 31 12 6 770 247/48 standard (aka non-sport) arms. Some dealers are just stocking the heavier arms for warranty replacements. This what mine did when I had a CA replacement under warranty. The S/A took the time to explain the differences when I questioned why the new ones didn't look like the old ones. If you read carefully, RealOEM states the heavier arms are for M Sports II (ZSP) OR Performance Package (ZHP) apps. Don't feel bad, RealOEM can be confusing to read sometimes.

I also found this place with these prices, could be the best so far. Never heard of the place, just found it on a Google search.

http://www.aboveallmotorwerks.com/Products/LEMFOERDER-Control-Arm-Left-Front-Lower-NOTE--Only-for-cars-with-M-Sports-Package-II__LEMFOERDER_31122282121_S.aspx
List Price $295.71
Your Price $185.93
You Save $109.78

Nivo
02-05-2011, 07:46 PM
has anyone tried pressing their own ball joint in?

I have always had great luck with MEVOTECH joints. too bad they dont have any for bmw

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uroparts.co m%2Furo%2Fpictures%2Fpicture%2Fparts0%2F3112113913 1.jpg&imagekey=2780682-0&width=450

UROParts press in joint, $9.20 USD

danewilson77
02-05-2011, 08:15 PM
Check this out

Full thread, see post #17 http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=5315416

The arms are the same for the ZHP and ZSP (31 12 2 282 121/22) from 03 on. These are considered "heavy-duty" for "sporty" driving. They are noticably beefier than the 31 12 6 758 519/20 (sport prior to 03) or 31 12 6 770 247/48 standard (aka non-sport) arms. Some dealers are just stocking the heavier arms for warranty replacements. This what mine did when I had a CA replacement under warranty. The S/A took the time to explain the differences when I questioned why the new ones didn't look like the old ones. If you read carefully, RealOEM states the heavier arms are for M Sports II (ZSP) OR Performance Package (ZHP) apps. Don't feel bad, RealOEM can be confusing to read sometimes.

I also found this place with these prices, could be the best so far. Never heard of the place, just found it on a Google search.

http://www.aboveallmotorwerks.com/Products/LEMFOERDER-Control-Arm-Left-Front-Lower-NOTE--Only-for-cars-with-M-Sports-Package-II__LEMFOERDER_31122282121_S.aspx
List Price $295.71
Your Price $185.93
You Save $109.78

Good info....thanks


has anyone tried pressing their own ball joint in?

I have always had great luck with MEVOTECH joints. too bad they dont have any for bmw

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uroparts.co m%2Furo%2Fpictures%2Fpicture%2Fparts0%2F3112113913 1.jpg&imagekey=2780682-0&width=450

UROParts press in joint, $9.20 USD

Thats not typical DIY stuff. I think the Xi guys can actually buy CA's with replaceable ball joints....but ours....never heard of anyone replacing them.

Nivo
02-05-2011, 08:40 PM
Good info....thanks



Thats not typical DIY stuff. I think the Xi guys can actually buy CA's with replaceable ball joints....but ours....never heard of anyone replacing them.

i guess for the price of the ball joints i can try this spring just to test things out. the stock ball joint has to be pressed in there possibly also uses a c clip.

ZHP-FTW
02-06-2011, 02:16 PM
Hey Dane sorry about that, didn't mean to get your hopes up. I guess I misread it, $229.00 each isn't horrible but ain't that cheap either.

danewilson77
02-06-2011, 02:48 PM
Yeah.....no prob bro....

Oli77
03-04-2011, 05:44 PM
Brother Dane and all,

I need a new control arm (lower ball joint on left has play) and instead of starting a thread, I searched this wonderful forum and came upon this one.

As usual, I learn. I read a page back that the control arms for a ZHP are the same as those in the ZSP. I do not have a ZHP but a 325 sport.

From 3ZHPguy: "The arms are the same for the ZHP and ZSP (31 12 2 282 121/22) from 03 on." I assume this is correct and I need the better, faster, more, larger control arm from MEYLE or Lenforder, right?

Here is what I found after searching around (price per arm):

Modbargains: 179$ manufacturer not clear
ECS Tuning: 139 $ from MEYLE, 124$ from MTC, 170$ unknown manuf.
Tischer: 235$ OEM?
Pelican Parts: 175$ Lemforder
PFC Groton: 87$, 147$ MEYLE; 169$ Lemforder
TurnerMototsport: 185$ Heavyduty MEYLE
RMeuropean: 144$ FEBI, 171$ Lemforder

Assuming I need a "sporty" beefy, faster, bigger, more control arm, which one is the way to go?

Great thread by the way. It did not, however, show up through Google.

danewilson77
03-04-2011, 06:14 PM
I personally would go with Meyle HD......or for me now (ZHP)...I will prolly end up going oem....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6wTXQCXRNM

kayger12
03-04-2011, 06:43 PM
Went Meyle HD on my 325i and was very happy with them.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

Oli77
03-04-2011, 06:48 PM
Good deal. PO put in the MEYLE HD CAB already, might as well get the MEYLE CA. Thanks!

danewilson77
03-04-2011, 08:21 PM
Are you going to attempt to change CA's without changing CAB's?

Oli77
03-05-2011, 07:26 AM
That was the plan yes.

Bad idea?

kayger12
03-05-2011, 07:34 AM
I would think you'd be fine.

How long have the CABs been on there?

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

Oli77
03-05-2011, 07:42 AM
I don't know the answer to that question as the PO had them changed.

Car is a 2005 with 67K miles.

My guess is, not that long ago.

kayger12
03-05-2011, 07:50 AM
Yep- they're probably good, then.

Probably changed out around 40k-50k.

I'm at 50k and I need them...

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

danewilson77
03-05-2011, 08:01 AM
That was the plan yes.

Bad idea?

I think its a bad idea. I have not completed myself nor heard of being done successfully....

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

kayger12
03-05-2011, 08:14 AM
I was thinking you could just use a puller to remove them and be good to go if they're relatively new and in good shape.

Are you thinking they're going to get torn up/damaged on removal?

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

kayger12
03-05-2011, 08:21 AM
Did some research. From what I read, you cannot reuse oem rubber bushings, but you can reuse urethane bushings.

If that is the case, you would not be able to reuse the Meyle HDs.

http://www.e46fanatics.com/features/feature.php?news_id=40

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

Oli77
03-05-2011, 10:17 AM
Thank you both for your help.

I will not do the job myself. Indy guy as an awesome press to exchange rubber bushings on the CABs. I will ask him:

1) What CA he plans on putting in there (thanks to you guys and a little research, I know the prices and also recognize the need for the HD MEYLE).
2) What bushings he will use, or will he reuse the existing ones.

See, I didn't realize the CA was attached to the CAB, I thought it was just pushed in with a little grease. As such, I thought it would just come out as easily. I see (thanks for the links Kayger) now that separating the CA from CAB is pretty hard and pretty much destroys the bushings.

Maybe the indy guy has a trick to removing them with his press.

I will check with him and let you know.

kayger12
03-05-2011, 10:19 AM
Sounds good, Oli. It looks like even if you press off the Meyles they will be deformed and no good for reuse. I would just play it safe and go with new CABs.

Let us know how you make out.

danewilson77
03-05-2011, 11:19 AM
The oem ones....from what I have seen and heard....basically pull apart upon removal.....and they are filled with fluid.

mikeyb74
03-07-2011, 06:45 AM
That's cheap compared to the "xi" control arms, inner balljoints, and bushings.

jamezc88
03-20-2011, 12:51 PM
this is where i bought mine.....it comes with the fcab as well. if you just need the arms you could always sell the bushings and get the arms for roughly $325 total. thats what i did. and also a very easy diy.

http://www.hpashop.com/product.sc?productId=128&categoryId=119

Linh
03-25-2011, 07:07 AM
Hey Dane, are you planning to get the ZHP control arms with the Performance kit?

And since you don't need the shocks, I could get those off your hands =)

danewilson77
03-25-2011, 10:06 AM
How much is the performance kit?

MrMaico
03-25-2011, 02:55 PM
How much is the performance kit?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BD53&mospid=47713&btnr=31_0808&hg=31&fg=95

That one? It's $416 here: http://www.realbmwparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=215477

Husker BMW (http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=215771) is usually the cheapest but in this case at $460, they're not. It's $515 at Tischer. It pays to shop around sometimes.

danewilson77
03-25-2011, 04:32 PM
Sounds like a hella deal. Lemme think about it abit. I am due for CA's at 119k miles. Got some other things planned.....so give me a lil time.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

Gramps05ZHP
03-05-2013, 07:05 PM
So Dane what did you end up doing about your CA's? I am in need of a set, during inspection found both (L&R) rubber grommets ripped and open to air, dirt. I will replace CA's, and CAB's all at once. Its an easy DIY.

danewilson77
03-05-2013, 07:30 PM
So Dane what did you end up doing about your CA's? I am in need of a set, during inspection found both (L&R) rubber grommets ripped and open to air, dirt. I will replace CA's, and CAB's all at once. Its an easy DIY.

I ended up getting the kit, for the CA's then selling the rest.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

echo46
03-06-2013, 05:56 AM
How are they performing?

danewilson77
03-06-2013, 07:23 AM
How are they performing?

Great. They're the zhp control arms with the ///M sticker.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

Dave1027
03-06-2013, 12:01 PM
I will replace CA's, and CAB's all at once. Its an easy DIY.
Not so easy. Maybe if you have certain pullers and such. Everything goes pretty straight forward till you begin trying to pop off the ball joints.

az3579
03-06-2013, 03:11 PM
Not so easy. Maybe if you have certain pullers and such. Everything goes pretty straight forward till you begin trying to pop off the ball joints.

Actually it is very easy because he said he'd be doing both CABs AND control arms. New being installed on new, piece of cake.

Dave1027
03-06-2013, 04:33 PM
Not sure if you are misunderstanding me or I did not relate well enough but I just did this job last weekend and removing the old control arms is not easy. I almost gave up. Ended up having to drop the subframe. I'm not talking about pressing CABs onto arms. That would be a piece of cake.

danewilson77
03-06-2013, 05:45 PM
Should not have to drop subframe to install C/A's.

kayger12
03-06-2013, 05:47 PM
^I think he means the subframe brace. That needs to be dropped for the CAs.

danewilson77
03-06-2013, 05:48 PM
^I think he means the subframe brace. That needs to be dropped for the CAs.

Yeah....That didn't need to be dropped either...when I did it. I think we're thinking about the same mounting piece.

kayger12
03-06-2013, 05:51 PM
I'm talking this piece. You got the arm out without dropping it?

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/2011-03-27_11-03-15_389-2.jpg

danewilson77
03-06-2013, 05:52 PM
No...I had to remove the reinforcement plate (7 bolts).

kayger12
03-06-2013, 05:56 PM
Roger.

Hornung418
03-19-2013, 05:40 PM
Just bumping this up again.

I'm in the market and the best price I have found was $203.50 per side and free shipping from OEMBimmerParts.com. This price is for OEM Lemfoerders. Hard to beat that. Also have great deal on OEM tie rods at $75.95.

danewilson77
03-19-2013, 05:50 PM
Just bumping this up again.

I'm in the market and the best price I have found was $203.50 per side and free shipping from OEMBimmerParts.com. This price is for OEM Lemfoerders. Hard to beat that. Also have great deal on OEM tie rods at $75.95.

Per or pair for the tie rods.

Have you checked Autohausaz?

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

Hornung418
03-19-2013, 05:57 PM
Per or pair for the tie rods.

Have you checked Autohausaz?

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA
Per side for the tie rods. OEM Lemfoerders to be specific.

Control arms from AutohausAZ are $236.61 per side.

alexandre
03-19-2013, 05:58 PM
Justin, check on Pelican or BMA for the CA's. If you're going for ZHP CA's, IIRC they were under 200 and tie rods were like 65/side, all OEM Lemfoerder.

Hornung418
03-19-2013, 06:03 PM
$200 at Pelicanparts.com and shipping might be free if the order is over $50 (Which the CAs will be $400). I have ordered from them before and have had great service. I am not ordering tonight, but probably tomorrow when I do all of my bills and check cashing.

Imola.ZHP
05-01-2013, 05:53 AM
At what mileage should one go ahead and replace CA's? I'm at 12X,XXX. My FCAB's are due again and I'm considering replacing CA's at the same time so that I don't have to re-buy the FCAB's and pay for another alignment down the road at some unspecified time/mileage interval.

I did the RTAB's last week and my alignment guy said to wait to align until I had the front done also, so I need to get this done ASAP...

Imola.ZHP
05-01-2013, 06:27 AM
http://youtu.be/kmnQDh8A6eE

Is this a good way to check? Any other tips?

aurelius
05-01-2013, 07:12 AM
To my eyes, all that video above shows is bad CABs. See "Part 2" here:

http://blog.bavauto.com/13370/bmw-and-mini-pre-spring-vehicle-inspection-how-to-video/

danewilson77
05-01-2013, 07:33 AM
At what mileage should one go ahead and replace CA's? I'm at 12X,XXX. My FCAB's are due again and I'm considering replacing CA's at the same time so that I don't have to re-buy the FCAB's and pay for another alignment down the road at some unspecified time/mileage interval.

I did the RTAB's last week and my alignment guy said to wait to align until I had the front done also, so I need to get this done ASAP...

I would do CA's this time with the CAB's. Also replace endlinks and FSM's if not done recently.

Imola.ZHP
05-02-2013, 03:17 AM
^ FSM's are good, looking at end links now, a friend on FB says that with the ZHP arms having metal ball joints, that theoretically, they shouldn't wear out. Were your's worn out Dane? Or anyone else here?

I only drove 10k last year, and I'm on track for even less this year, so perhaps putting off the over $600 expense isn't such a terrible idea if I can get another 10-20k out of these (2-3 years)... But you can't re-use FCAB's can you? I went with AKG blue's, are poly's reusable?

terraphantm
05-02-2013, 03:34 AM
They will wear out eventually. In both my former zhp and current M3, a control arm needed replacement at ~100k miles. It was an inner ball joint that developed play in both cases iirc. Just replaced the M3's with lemforder replacements, and the car feels better than ever. Lift the front wheels and rock them back and forth at different angles and look at the ball joints and bushings. If you see any play beyond the little bit of play in the steering lock, then replace the offending piece.

I believe poly FCABs can be reused

danewilson77
05-02-2013, 03:55 AM
^ FSM's are good, looking at end links now, a friend on FB says that with the ZHP arms having metal ball joints, that theoretically, they shouldn't wear out. Were your's worn out Dane? Or anyone else here?

I only drove 10k last year, and I'm on track for even less this year, so perhaps putting off the over $600 expense isn't such a terrible idea if I can get another 10-20k out of these (2-3 years)... But you can't re-use FCAB's can you? I went with AKG blue's, are poly's reusable?

I did my FSM's a week ago, and the ones I pulled out looked pretty good. I hung on to them.

Imola.ZHP
05-02-2013, 04:18 AM
They will wear out eventually. In both my former zhp and current M3, a control arm needed replacement at ~100k miles. It was an inner ball joint that developed play in both cases iirc. Just replaced the M3's with lemforder replacements, and the car feels better than ever. Lift the front wheels and rock them back and forth at different angles and look at the ball joints and bushings. If you see any play beyond the little bit of play in the steering lock, then replace the offending piece.

I believe poly FCABs can be reused

Thanks for the help! I'll check for play before ordering...

gr330zhp
05-09-2013, 08:51 AM
Time to do them again for me. Were replaced at 40k by BMW under CPO. At 82k now and getting a slight clunk and noticed wheel moved to the rear slightly when torquing the wheel bolts.

I think after lowering my car may have put some extra wear on my ball joints. So will likely do lower control arms as well.

Your guys opinion on Meyle HD? Don't want to go polyurethane as I still like it to be somewhat smooth. And just like with anything else, the lemforder for ZHP is identical to OE right?


Sent from my iPhone 5.

Hornung418
05-09-2013, 08:56 AM
OEM only on the steering components Stathi. Wouldn't waste time with Meyle.

kayger12
05-09-2013, 09:17 AM
OEM only on the steering components Stathi. Wouldn't waste time with Meyle.

This. All kinds of Meyle issues since they moved there production.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Rovert
05-09-2013, 09:19 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6jXXOtH4Vg

gr330zhp
05-09-2013, 09:26 AM
Okay, cool. I have heard similar so wanted to see what you guys thought. Now Lemforder makes OE right? Just doesn't have the BMW stamp on it.....and the giant price markup?


Sent from my iPhone 5.

gr330zhp
05-09-2013, 09:27 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6jXXOtH4Vg

Trevor, the link doesn't work?


Sent from my iPhone 5.

Rovert
05-09-2013, 09:31 AM
Maybe youtube is blocked where you are? The FCA DIY works totally fine here. Haha.

I thought my FCA were worn until I took off my wheel while twisting and turning the rotor to find any play. I have no squeaky play holding at 3 & 9 and 12 & 6. What was causing my shake was a warped front brake rotor, literally 2 hairs out. Talk about being out by a hair or two. I still get a very subtle/minute vibration at high speed but it's not concerning to me at all.

gr330zhp
05-09-2013, 09:52 AM
Maybe youtube is blocked where you are? The FCA DIY works totally fine here. Haha.

I thought my FCA were worn until I took off my wheel while twisting and turning the rotor to find any play. I have no squeaky play holding at 3 & 9 and 12 & 6. What was causing my shake was a warped front brake rotor, literally 2 hairs out. Talk about being out by a hair or two. I still get a very subtle/minute vibration at high speed but it's not concerning to me at all.

Could be, I'll try from a computer. Interesting. See i don't have any wobble/shimmy and the only sign other thank the slight clunking is the slight steering wheel jerk when the brakes are applied. And front rotors and pads are all new with only about 3k miles on them


Sent from my iPhone 5.

Rovert
05-09-2013, 10:19 AM
Steering wheel jerk can also be caused by worn front end sway bar links.

gr330zhp
05-09-2013, 10:53 AM
Steering wheel jerk can also be caused by worn front end sway bar links.

Good point!


Sent from my iPhone 5.

gr330zhp
05-10-2013, 09:27 AM
Anybody have an opinion on Febi parts? Heard it is OE like Lemforder in some cases, but not sure. :dunno

8308

Crazy deal!!


Sent from my iPhone 5.

kayger12
05-10-2013, 09:44 AM
Too important a component to the driving experience to risk it, imo.

Hornung418
05-10-2013, 09:53 AM
Fucked
Even
Before
Installation

From a GS3, this was sent.

gr330zhp
05-10-2013, 10:06 AM
Fucked
Even
Before
Installation

From a GS3, this was sent.

Hahaha I was waiting to see if that came up here too :shifty lol


Sent from my iPhone 5.

Dave1027
05-10-2013, 05:56 PM
Febi = Bilstein

Febi stands for Ferdinand Bilstein

danewilson77
05-10-2013, 06:03 PM
Febi = Bilstein

Febi stands for Ferdinand Bilstein

Interesting.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

gr330zhp
05-10-2013, 07:32 PM
Febi = Bilstein

Febi stands for Ferdinand Bilstein

Also heard that, so complete opposites......lol


Sent from my iPhone 5.

Hornung418
05-10-2013, 10:03 PM
That's a recent acquisition, no?

From a GS3, this was sent.

echo46
05-12-2013, 04:55 AM
I had problems with Meyle on my E36. Quality is just not there anymore.

UdubBadger
05-12-2013, 05:53 AM
So I have to do these, quite the price gap between oem and off brands, what u guys think?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3-S54_3.2L/Suspension/Control_Arm/


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

LivesNearCostco
05-12-2013, 08:22 AM
My current indie likes Lemforder, but for those parts they are about the same price as BMW brand. I had one bad experience with a MTC thermostat but never tried any other MTC parts. My FCABs are AKG poly.

UdubBadger
05-12-2013, 05:10 PM
yeah I think AKG is likely what I'll do for FCAB/RTAB unless UUC is good enough and cheaper. 90A seems like the way to go no?

Hornung418
05-12-2013, 05:19 PM
AKG all the way.

From a GS3, this was sent.

Imola.ZHP
05-12-2013, 10:04 PM
Yes, I have AKG's in my trunk awaiting installation. I need to check my ball joints and order end links and tie-rod ends...

gr330zhp
05-16-2013, 02:37 PM
Got my control arm bushings with brackets as well as new zhp control arms. May start it tonight, but just because I have heard different things, what are you guys using for lubrication :shifty, I have heard hand soap or windex, but no grease. Is this correct?


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aurelius
05-23-2013, 07:56 PM
Soapy water. I use mild dish liquid from Whole Foods mixed with water in a spray bottle. Works well for keeping bugs off plants too. Light on the soap.

kayger12
05-24-2013, 04:33 AM
^ I like that idea.

I used straight dish soap.

Definitely no grease. You want something that's going to dry up not too long after you load the suspension.

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RVAzhp
12-14-2015, 08:42 AM
Well its been a couple years since this one has been updated. So I'll go ahead and Bump since this is what I'm currently dealing with. The car has 145k ish on it and my control arm ball joints have finally failed. I'd say thats a pretty good run considering i got the car with 74k on it and I've never had to replacement them before.

So what are people's experiences with these? It looks like I'll just go OEM because it's like $40 difference from the Lemforder ones and i might as well cover the difference...Unless anyone can find me a good deal based on what you internet sleuths can find. I'm currently thinking of just going with ECS since i haven't found anything that is that better of a deal for them.

My next question is the CAB's they were done a few years ago now but the car only has like 10k on it over those 3-4 years. Can I pull those and reuse them, they are Meyle HD's CABs and i'd rather not spend the extra $80 to replace them as well.

Anything else i should look to replace? I believe i replaced the endlinks when i installed my coilovers...

Vas
12-14-2015, 08:55 AM
Two Options to choose from.

OEM Lemforder control arms or Genuine OE BMW control Arms. Technically both options are the same however the Genuine control arms will have the ///M Sticker on them.

Cheapest price I found for the Genuine control arms were from http://thebmwminipartstore.com/

Part numbers are (Right 31122341828 and Left 31122341297)

Other people have bought them Lemforder control arms from FCP Euro.

As far as the control arm bushings, some people say to replace them with the arms. However I would replace the arms and see what condition the bushings are in. Just double the work in the end.

Are you going to do the install yourself or have them installed?

RVAzhp
12-14-2015, 10:03 AM
Installing myself, so once it's done I'll get it over to Racewerks in VB for he alignment.


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Vas
12-14-2015, 10:35 AM
Installing myself, so once it's done I'll get it over to Racewerks in VB for he alignment.


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I would say then remove the front control arm bushings and inspect them. If they are good then install them back on the car but if they are bad install them and order new ones. Even maybe go for the z4m bushings.

Replacement of the control arms is not difficult.

RVAzhp
12-14-2015, 10:41 AM
Yeah, I just haven't wanted to pay for the parts [emoji23]. Now that it's colder and my outdoor weekend activities are coming to an end, I'll order these to do on a cold weekend in January.


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ELCID86
12-14-2015, 06:44 PM
I'm doing mine this weekend. I've got a pretty bad clunk on front left and am pretty sure it's a ball joint (FCABs have already been done).


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

C00KIE M0NSTER
12-14-2015, 08:52 PM
So what are people's experiences with these? It looks like I'll just go OEM because it's like $40 difference from the Lemforder ones and i might as well cover the difference...Unless anyone can find me a good deal based on what you internet sleuths can find. I'm currently thinking of just going with ECS since i haven't found anything that is that better of a deal for them.

PartsGeek.com has Lemfoerder ZHP arms for $153.33 for the left and $182.33 for the right. Use could "SAVE15" to knock $15 off the price for a grand total of $320.66. I'm 99% sure you won't find a better deal than that, and it is significant savings over places like ECS.

RVAzhp
12-14-2015, 08:54 PM
PartsGeek.com has Lemfoerder ZHP arms for $153.33 for the left and $182.33 for the right. Use could "SAVE15" to knock $15 off the price for a grand total of $320.66. I'm 99% sure you won't find a better deal than that, and it is significant savings over places like ECS.

You sir might be a saint. I'll check them out. Maybe buy on Thursday if that's really the deal.

Anyone had any issues with the lemforder? Basically what I know is it OE equipment, so should be exact replacement without the Mstamp [emoji51]


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ELCID86
12-15-2015, 08:23 AM
You sir might be a saint. I'll check them out. Maybe buy on Thursday if that's really the deal.

Anyone had any issues with the lemforder? Basically what I know is it OE equipment, so should be exact replacement without the Mstamp [emoji51]


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I've heard good things and if BP installed them they are good enough for me!

I forget if you are still in RVA or not (thought you'd moved). If near 22554, come up on Sat and let's install mine and yours (assuming you get them in by then).


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

RVAzhp
12-17-2015, 03:59 PM
I would say then remove the front control arm bushings and inspect them. If they are good then install them back on the car but if they are bad install them and order new ones. Even maybe go for the z4m bushings.

Replacement of the control arms is not difficult.

what is the advantage of going with the Z4M CAB?

RVAzhp
12-17-2015, 04:00 PM
I've heard good things and if BP installed them they are good enough for me!

I forget if you are still in RVA or not (thought you'd moved). If near 22554, come up on Sat and let's install mine and yours (assuming you get them in by then).

Yeah man I moved. I live down at the Oceanfront in VB now. The car is almost always sitting at my parents house in chesapeake though...i really need to fix the control arms and get it inspected again.

BMWCurves
12-17-2015, 04:15 PM
what is the advantage of going with the Z4M CAB?

They increase the caster a little bit. I have them and like them, as do several other members.

RVAzhp
12-17-2015, 04:18 PM
just purchased the lemfoerder's off of partsgeek for 320.66...that's such a ridiculous deal. i love it.

Thanks guys!

ELCID86
12-17-2015, 04:55 PM
Good deal. Too bad the Boss had to up and move out of that area on us...work...

To me the z4m have a better feel to them than the stock ones.



---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

RVAzhp
12-18-2015, 02:20 PM
I have meyle HD cabs, see how they are holding up. If they look suspect I'll go Z4M


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