"ZHP" Control arm bushings?

[MtechJon]

My control arm bushings have gotten really bad now that I have driven 1000 miles on it and noticing lots of old spider webs on my brakes and under my car im thinking this car was sitting for a good while, anyways I went to the dealership to get a list of part #'s for tie rods and control arm bushings, I noticed I find that the zhp CAB prt # is 31 12 6 757 623 but at the dealer was given 31 12 6 783 376 I asked him why its different and he said the part number I provided was superseded to this number. Any one know the actual part numbers for the performance package? I'm thinking bmw just got rid of the zhp part and just use the downgraded regular stuff now.

[Oli77]

The bavauto.com site concurs that the 31 12 6 757 623 is the same as the 31 12 6 783 376

http://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=31%2012%206%20757%20623

[onaquest]

yup, superseded
I recommend realoem.com to reference bmw part numbers.

[MtechJon]

Forgot about that site its pretty good. Wondering about my control arms, any one know how long they usually last

[Dr Dynamite]

I got these lying around 2491824919

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[Vas]

Forgot about that site its pretty good. Wondering about my control arms, any one know how long they usually last

All depends on road conditions.

As far as the control arm bushings, look into the Z4M units.

[brettbimmer]

All depends on road conditions.

As far as the control arm bushings, look into the Z4M units.

+1 on the Z4M units. Tighten up the feel just a bit more than stock. Lots of Mafia members are happily using them.

[BMWCurves]

I have the Z4M FCABs and really like them. Their part numbers are left: 31107836862, right: 31107836863.

Although mileage and road conditions matter for the control arms, you should also consider age and the ball joint in there. I don't have any experience with them, but since they're part rubber, and rubber gets old and brittle, you might consider changing them if they're original.

[terraphantm]

My control arm bushings have gotten really bad now that I have driven 1000 miles on it and noticing lots of old spider webs on my brakes and under my car im thinking this car was sitting for a good while, anyways I went to the dealership to get a list of part #'s for tie rods and control arm bushings, I noticed I find that the zhp CAB prt # is 31 12 6 757 623 but at the dealer was given 31 12 6 783 376 I asked him why its different and he said the part number I provided was superseded to this number. Any one know the actual part numbers for the performance package? I'm thinking bmw just got rid of the zhp part and just use the downgraded regular stuff now.

There never was a ZHP-specific control arm bushing

[MtechJon]

There never was a ZHP-specific control arm bushing

I realized that, I miss read a thread about changing that stuff it's just the control arms that are different in zhp


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[MtechJon]

I have the Z4M FCABs and really like them. Their part numbers are left: 31107836862, right: 31107836863.

Although mileage and road conditions matter for the control arms, you should also consider age and the ball joint in there. I don't have any experience with them, but since they're part rubber, and rubber gets old and brittle, you might consider changing them if they're original.

Thanks for the input I'll probably be picking up the z4m fcabs since everyone upgrades to them and will be getting zhp control arms


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[onaquest]

Something to consider: the Meyle HD control arms have all metal ball joints. Which is what zhp specific control arms have. They're cheaper than the lemforder or oe tagged ones. They seem to have good reviews.


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[terraphantm]

The price difference isn't very big anymore. You can get the Lemforder ones for about $350. The Meyle ones for $280. I'd go with Lemforder every time with that small of a price difference (these are items that should last in excess of 100k miles)

[ELCID86]

I had meyle FCABs and they came apart after less than a year. I can't speak to the arms themselves but I'd go Lemforder.


---
"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." - anonymous

[KIRIEIW]

I've been reading a lot around here regarding the Z4 M bushings. Now I know the reason for the "upgrade" is to get a little more caster but I have a few questions. From reading it sounds like steering will take a bit more effort? (I guess you'd call it heavy steering). I know the e92's and such need a bit more effort to turn the wheel unlike a e46. Also I'm assuming the car will need to be re aligned after no?

[BMWCurves]

When you change the FCABs you'll want an alignment. Yes, from my experience Z4M FCABs do increase steering effort. I quite like it.

[ELCID86]

Definitely get an alignment. I know someone who didn't and wore thru some tires quicker than expected...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/0b0af4e767eafb054bc4d27497855dbe.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/47c7f2f55a34eda46a6b1175c37f5071.jpg

Can't say I noticed anything but improvement in the steering.

[Skiptomylou]

Previous owner of my car installed the Meyle HD front suspension refresh kit linked below at ECS Tuning.

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/ES205226/

Will the Z4M FCABs fit to replace the Meyle FCABs?

From what ELCID86 said I am not sure I want to leave those Meyle FCABs in much longer!

[terraphantm]

Z4M bushings should fit fine on the Meyle arms

[danewilson77]

Z4M bushings should fit fine on the Meyle arms
+1

S7 Edge, out

[dwonder]

Bringing back old thread with newbie question - if I replace control arms, do I still need to do FCAB? Example- if I had this refresh kit. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-zhp-suspension-refresh-kit-e46-33500429577kt

I spoke with an Indy about control arm bushing price and he says sorry I don’t do that. I only do control arm and tackle the bushing with it.

[az3579]

I spoke with an Indy about control arm bushing price and he says sorry I don’t do that. I only do control arm and tackle the bushing with it.

While normally I'd be inclined to say he's just being a dick, it really does make more sense to do both at the same time. It's way easier installing CABs with a new control arms when everything is nice and fresh.

[dwonder]

While normally I'd be inclined to say he's just being a dick, it really does make more sense to do both at the same time. It's way easier installing CABs with a new control arms when everything is nice and fresh.

Makes sense. In the kit I referenced, I would still need to buy the FCABs right?

[John in VA]

In the kit I referenced, I would still need to buy the FCABs right?
Looks like it - no lollipops or bushings in the group photo.

[az3579]

What exactly do you need replaced? If you're gonna go with a suspension refresh kit just because, I'd go with the ZHP 8-piece kit Lemforder kit, which is significantly cheaper and more comprehensive than what you linked. Then, I'd add shocks/struts as needed.

8-piece kit:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-8-piece-control-arm-kit-e46-zhp8piecekit-l


Once you tell me what your objective is, I can piece together a better tailored listing for you.

[dwonder]

Occasionally I feel vibrations when accelerating getting onto highway. I was going to take to shop to have them check it out but I would order parts. Generally, do y’all refresh suspension while tackling FCABs or wait until they leak/fail?

[johnrando]

Occasionally I feel vibrations when accelerating getting onto highway. I was going to take to shop to have them check it out but I would order parts. Generally, do y’all refresh suspension while tackling FCABs or wait until they leak/fail?Not exactly sure what you are asking. Refresh fcabs or refresh other suspension components while doing fcabs?

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[PetesZ]

Vibrations while accelerating can be associated with FCAB. Real easy to tell under hard braking do you feel vibration?

Concur with your indy. If you are replacing the control arms then you should replace the FCAB.

Honestly I would just replace the FCAB from what you have described

Or

Do the full 8 piece kit refresh.



Just the FCAB takes care of most of the issue. Ie first to fail component.

[Sockethead]

I swapped out my front control arms at 141K miles. They were still good. On the other hand, I probably replaced the control arm bushings at least 4 times since I bought the car with 44k on it. I can swap out the lower control arm bushings in little over 1/2 hr. The whole control arm will take a lot longer.

IMO, if you're on a budget or plan on not keeping the car for a long time, save yourself some money and just replace the bushings and see where you are. If you're going to keep the car a long time and want to get back to a good starting point, replace everything with one of those kits

[az3579]

I swapped out my front control arms at 141K miles. They were still good. On the other hand, I probably replaced the control arm bushings at least 4 times since I bought the car with 44k on it. I can swap out the lower control arm bushings in little over 1/2 hr. The whole control arm will take a lot longer.

IMO, if you're on a budget or plan on not keeping the car for a long time, save yourself some money and just replace the bushings and see where you are. If you're going to keep the car a long time and want to get back to a good starting point, replace everything with one of those kits


On the flip side, my control arms (specifically the ball joints) were shot at just 112k miles, both sides. Everyone's situation is different, which is why it's important to evaluate the situation and then make a choice.