ARB Drop Links

[Mike-tf3n0]

My 2001 facelift E39 530d Touring needs new rear ARB drop links. The ones on there are the original cast aluminium type but I see that most of those on Ebay are fabricated with a steel bar joining the two ball joints. Anybody know if these are the same length and interchangeable or should I stick to the original type? Second question, there are dozens of different makes although many look to be the same, what makes have others found to be good quality and which are to be avoided? Last question, what torque setting to tighten the nuts to? Thanks in advance!

Edited by Mike-tf3n0 on Wednesday 3rd October 19:49

[d_a_n1979]

Get your part number off RealOEM; use the drop down boxes orbthevVIN number to make sure you’ve got the right version of your 530D touring

Use part number to search via eBay and go for Meyle or Lemforder parts via BMWmotormec or C3BMW resellers

However; Moog are very good imo also

These parts aren’t expensive, so you could maybe get a price from your local BMW dealer too

If you’re not already, I’d highly recommend joining the BMW 5 forums - http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/

A wealth of info on there and a 15% discount via BMW Cotwolds group on parts etc

[helix402]

Gen BMW arb links aren’t expensive and are the best quality.

[d_a_n1979]

helix402 said:

Gen BMW arb links aren’t expensive and are the best quality.

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Don’t agree; they’re made in the same factories as all the other stuff in China!

I’ve had just as much genuine BMW stuff fail,on previous E39s as I have other bits; Moog & Meyle are the only makes I’ve not had fail on me.

Genuine doesn’t always = better; it does always = pricier though!

[helix402]

Gen BMW arb links are made in Germany and are covered by a 2 year warranty.

[d_a_n1979]

helix402 said:

Gen BMW arb links are made in Germany and are covered by a 2 year warranty.

You like to think they are, but they’re not, unfortunately

Do some research, you’ll soon see they’re Chinese made, just like everything else

[Mike-tf3n0]

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated. Interested to note that Febi Bilstein was not included, does their good reputation for dampers not extend to drop links?

[d_a_n1979]

Mike-tf3n0 said:

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated. Interested to note that Febi Bilstein was not included, does their good reputation for dampers not extend to drop links?

Their stuff is ok Mike; I’ve never had issues with them, but other folk have and it’s out there to be read

I’d always go for Meyle or Lemforder before Febi personally