E46 M3 N/S Wishbone lasting 20k?

[CDM3]

Is it too much to ask to get more than 20k from a wishbone? I was just wondering if its just me or is it a common problem? I'm just a little annoyed at £330 for the part alone it has only lasted 20K if that.

[shim]

my last set lasted me 50k and 40k before that and they didnt have an easy life

[CDM3]

Suppose I'll have to bang some 235/60/R19's on it to cushion the pot holes

[Nedzilla]

I would say yes! My N/S front wishbone went at around 55k (from new) on my E46 M3 cab and the O/S was still fine when I sold the car at 78k and 9 yrs old!

Admittedly,it had a very easy life.

[CDM3]

Same here, first n/s one went at 58k then New one just gone at 77k? O/s still going strong, touch wood. If I did'nt have the receipt for it I might have suspected BM of sourcing it from a turkeys arse :-)

Edited by CDM3 on Saturday 2nd June 13:54

Edited by CDM3 on Saturday 2nd June 13:55

[kev b]

Wishbone joint or LCA bush?

[CDM3]

I'm not sure it is the rubber joint on the wishbone that connects to the wheel that's gone sloppy..... Please forgive my lack of knowledge

[kev b]

There is a great variation in quality between LCA bushes, I once fitted a pair of motor factor bushes and they failed in weeks. Now I will only fit bushes made by Meyle, these are reputed to be better than OE quality. The OE items from BMW only lasted 20 thousand miles but I don't know if it is a quality issue or the tank-trap style roads around here. The Meyles have a 2 yr warranty and are not expensive.

[CDM3]

Can you just replace the bush on the end of the wishbone instead of replacing everything? I asked this at the garage but they said it cant be taken apart.

[E30M3SE]

CDM3 said:

Can you just replace the bush on the end of the wishbone instead of replacing everything? I asked this at the garage but they said it cant be taken apart.

Yes.

I'd be looking for another garage.

@kev b, I thought the Meyle HD's had 4 year warranty.

[kev b]

Four years warranty? Even better! - Where did I put that receipt?

[CDM3]

I trust the bloke at garage, If you can change the bush alone BMW are reluctant to sell them as a seperate part. This is providing we are all talking about the same bush. I must admit it grieves me to change the lot when it still looks freshly galvanized.

[E30M3SE]

CDM3 said:

I trust the bloke at garage, If you can change the bush alone BMW are reluctant to sell them as a seperate part. This is providing we are all talking about the same bush. I must admit it grieves me to change the lot when it still looks freshly galvanized.

There is only 1 bush on the front wishbone.

Don't believe there to be any supply issues from BMW.

They do not supply them fitted to the wishbone, they come as a separate part, #6 in the picture, (or #7 if you want the bush without the carrier).



BMW part # 31 12 2 229 623 left side, 31 12 2 229 624 right side.


You could also polybush (Powerflex etc).

Edited by E30M3SE on Sunday 3rd June 17:54

[CDM3]

Thanks for the diagram, it shows my lack of knowledge again calling anything that looks rubber a bush.... The bit that is all sloppy causing the wheel to feel loose is the rubber bit under the nut labeled 9. So am I right in needing to replace the lot again?

Edited by CDM3 on Sunday 3rd June 18:53

[kev b]

Yes, unfortunately you will have to replace the whole arm, including the "lollipop" bush as once fitted these cannot be removed from the arm without destroying them. The only way round this is to fit powerflex bushes as these can be removed without damage should the control arm wear again. Earlier models had replaceable ball joints fitted to a steel arm. Now the arm is alloy and the ball joints cannot be replaced seperately, that's progress for you.

[E30M3SE]

CDM3 said:

Thanks for the diagram, it shows my lack of knowledge again calling anything that looks rubber a bush.... The bit that is all sloppy causing the wheel to feel loose is the rubber bit under the nut labeled 9. So am I right in needing to replace the lot again?

Edited by CDM3 on Sunday 3rd June 18:53

That is called a Ball Joint, the 'rubber bit' is just the dust cover, and as said above, new wishbone and bush.

[CDM3]

Ah sweet progress! Thanks chaps..... I'm just glad the wife understands the blackhole on the drive that keeps absorbing money, its booked in for inspection 1 on Saturday as well so I don't think i'll have much change out of a G when the week is out. That KIA Sportage is looking more and more likely :-(