Replacing Control Arms E92 M3 - worth it?

[MikeGoodwin]

Thinking of replacing my upper/lower control arms on the front (maybe even have a garage do the track ends), then working on replacing the rear stuff too. Ill be doing an alignment as well.

Car has 62k on the clock, front end can sometimes feel a bit sloppy with the steering having some play over very bumpy roads. Its not bad or anything, just feel as though it could be a bit fresher.

Will replacing the control arms (essentially just want to replace the bushes but for DIY will be easier to replace with new TRW units) make it feel a lot tighter, dont really want to replace them with Polybushes.

Plan to keep the car a while so want to replace the gearbox/engine mounts as well as all the suspension bushing.

[Tony B2]

I would say yes - you will notice a difference, but from memory these arms are quite expensive.

Not sure how difficult bush replacement is, but it should be significantly cheaper on parts cost.

[MikeGoodwin]

Tony B2 said:

I would say yes - you will notice a difference, but from memory these arms are quite expensive.

Not sure how difficult bush replacement is, but it should be significantly cheaper on parts cost.

TRW's come in at £230 for the 4 arms, not a difficult job by the look of it. I think ill get some, see if it makes a difference.

[helix402]

Some of the bolts are stretch bolts. The nuts to the hub will also probably be seized. The bolts should be tightened under load. You can get some good deals on full arm kits from some German eBay sellers.

[MikeGoodwin]

helix402 said:

Some of the bolts are stretch bolts. The nuts to the hub will also probably be seized. The bolts should be tightened under load. You can get some good deals on full arm kits from some German eBay sellers.

This thing?

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/spares-search.htm...

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=WD93...

Can only see that on the schematic?

Ive just bought some new shoes for it so Ill buy these next month or something. Be a good time to get the alignment done as well.

[helix402]

Looks like you need two no 16s on realoem, and the nuts to match.

[stevesingo]

Remember to get a full alignment afterwards.

[MikeGoodwin]

Thanks both, ill get alignment done as well.

I may look to replace all bushings in the front end thinking about it but its a lot of work and money.