Which Control Arms?

[Raptorman5174]

I'm going to be replacing my control arms but I am having trouble deciding which ones to choose. My first thought were to get these

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-33...Arm/ES2528795/

but then there are these....
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-33...Arm/ES1843946/


Are they same? and then Meyle has a set
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-33...3.0L/ES205222/

I just want to make sure that I get the correct ones. I had run the Meyle control arms on an older car (2000 323Ci) with good results but have heard other state they they would get front end vibrations after installations of them.

Are there any other options that I may want to consider before I make the investment?

As always thanks for your help guys

[Aeternalis]

I went with the Lemforder arms from FCPEuro. Lemforder is an OEM for BMW which means you'll essentially get the same part as you would from a BMW dealership without the BMW logo and accompanying price markup. FCPEuro also offers a Lifetime Replacement warranty for all parts purchased through them.

Left: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-31122282121
Right: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-31122282122

I have heard many bad things about Meyle suspension parts recently, so I decided to stay away from them when I did my suspension refresh.

Good luck!

[Vas]

Lemforder or OE bmw that have the M sticker on them are the only way to go.

[slater]

has anyone used TRW?

[anandoc]

Lemforder or OE bmw that have the M sticker on them are the only way to go.

I replaced mine with the Lemforder 'ZHP' ones last year. The Lemforder brand FCAs do not have the blue "///M" sticker on them.

[az3579]

Do not buy the Meyle ones. They are total crap. I had both left AND right control arms, INCLUDING the Meyle control arm bushings, all fail on me within 30k miles.

Buy the ZHP specific arms - the Lemforder ones are just fine as they are the same thing as the Genuine BMW part. I agree with comments on buying from FCP Euro - you'll never have to buy control arms again thanks to the lifetime warranty.


You save money if you buy them as kits. Here's a good deal on a pair of ZHP Lemforder arms with the Lemforder control arm bushings for $467. This is the kit that I bought. Have gone through some super shitty roads on a regular basis for the past year with this set and still as good as the day I put them on.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...zhp4piecekit-l

[Raptorman5174]

WOW this is all good information, thank you all again for the good advice

[terraphantm]

Lemförder "ZHP" arms and the Z4M control arm bushings. Can't go wrong with that combo

has anyone used TRW?

TRW makes OE suspension for other BMWs, so they'd probably be fine

[slater]

TRW makes OE suspension for other BMWs, so they'd probably be fine

they are significantly cheaper than the lemförder units, that's why i asked...

[fw_fw]

You save money if you buy them as kits. Here's a good deal on a pair of ZHP Lemforder arms with the Lemforder control arm bushings for $467. This is the kit that I bought. Have gone through some super shitty roads on a regular basis for the past year with this set and still as good as the day I put them on.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...zhp4piecekit-l

Added to my FCP wishlist.....thanks for the link!