The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[Lorenzo]

Nope. Lemforder = OEM without the BMW logo. Also, go for the Z4M FCABs (part# 31107836862/63). They are solid rubber and provide a 'tighter' steering feel and a bit more caster.

These? That'll be $168. Worth it huh?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/31107836862/

[anandoc]

These? That'll be $168. Worth it huh?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/31107836862/

Yup, seems to have gone up in price since I bought them ($76 a piece). FCP has them for a little cheaper:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...z4-31107836862

Many members here have gone with the Z4M solid rubber FCABs.

EDIT: Cheaper if you buy just the bushings and install them into your existing lollypops.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/31107838575/

[Vas]

The BMW Mini Parts Store has them for $69.26 per side. Worth it though.

[BMWCurves]

I have the Z4M FCABs and quite like them. They increase caster a bit and changes steering feel a bit, which I preferred. Then again, I'm sure I would have been satisfied with the stock FCABs but they are fluid filled rather than solid rubber.

[NoVAphotog]

These? That'll be $168. Worth it huh?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/31107836862/

I didn't notice squat changing to them except it "ruined" my stock car alignment figures and now I have to explain it, fortunately, RRT has a record of it for my car, but if I went anywhere else...

If you want to drive my car and compare them I'd actually be down for that as I'm of the opinion that we won't be able to tell a difference.

[Vas]

I didn't notice squat changing to them except it "ruined" my stock car alignment figures and now I have to explain it, fortunately, RRT has a record of it for my car, but if I went anywhere else...

If you want to drive my car and compare them I'd actually be down for that as I'm of the opinion that we won't be able to tell a difference.

The range for caster is 1 degree (5.1 degree - 6.1 degree ).

Z4M FCAB add 1 degree of caster compared to the stock fcab.

So if your alignment falls into that range, it is not " ruined".

Our cars with the Z4M are usually at the top of that range (6.1 degrees). Cars with the stock FCAB are usually at 5.1 degrees from the factory.

Positive caster will make the vehicle more stable at high speeds, and will increase tire lean when cornering. Lastly it will increase steering effort.

The first two items are the most noticeable.

[NoVAphotog]

The range for caster is 1 degree (5.1 degree - 6.1 degree ).

Z4M FCAB add 1 degree of caster compared to the stock fcab.

So if your alignment falls into that range, it is not " ruined".

Our cars with the Z4M are usually at the top of that range (6.1 degrees). Cars with the stock FCAB are usually at 5.1 degrees from the factory.

Positive caster will make the vehicle more stable at high speeds, and will increase tire lean when cornering. Lastly it will increase steering effort.

The first two items are the most noticeable.

Hmm Thanks for the informative response Vas, to my "stay stock stay worry free" ignorant one. Mine are at 6.1 now and it is red on the sheet/out of spec. I'll check the folder when I get home.

[anandoc]

Hmm Thanks for the informative response Vas, to my "stay stock stay worry free" ignorant one. Mine are at 6.1 now and it is red on the sheet/out of spec. I'll check the folder when I get home.

With the Z4M FACBs, my caster is set to 5.9 degrees - within spec.

[BMWCurves]

Mine's set to about 6.3 degrees I think.

[Vas]

Hmm Thanks for the informative response Vas, to my "stay stock stay worry free" ignorant one. Mine are at 6.1 now and it is red on the sheet/out of spec. I'll check the folder when I get home.

Even if it is still red, still within Spec though. Don't fret about it.

Think of it this way, more positive caster = more tire lean when cornering = bigger contact path during the corners.