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BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E30 (1984-1991)

Control arms, and their integrated ball joints, are some of the most crucial components on a BMW suspension. The control arms literally control the wheel and suspension as they go through their range of motions. They do more than just keep the alignment in a constant spec - they are a vital locating component for the suspension itself. A faulty or worn control arm or ball joint is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening problem so make sure they are inspected and replaced at regular intervals.

Most control arms for BMWs consist of an inner and outer ball joint made of plastic, rubber, Delrin, or metal and covered in grease with a rubber boot to seal it from the outside. The ball joint rotates and spins as the control arm goes through its movements and that will wear the ball joint and make it loose. The grease inside the housing can also get used up, evaporate, or become contaminated from moisture and foreign particles. As the ball joint becomes worn it can result in excess movement within the housing. Your steering and handling will become less precise and there is usually a light clunking or clicking sound. In rare and extreme cases the ball joint can separate from the control arm completely, leading to a total loss of suspension and steering control. You should have the ball joint play checked annually and replace them every 3-4 years. Most track organizations will not allow a car if they are older than three years.

Control arms also take abuse from impacts and handling forces. Aluminum control arms will generally bend and prevent an accurate alignment. Steel control arms will crack and fracture and require close inspection annually and replacement every 3-4 years.

We sell OE BMW, OEM, and performance upgrade control arms from proven manufacturers. The control arm is so important to a BMW suspension that we insist on only top quality brands and designs and will never sell a control arm based on price alone. We also have upgrade packages with superior designs and better bushing options and we have bundled these together with valuable package savings.

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FCAB Offset Delrin Race Control Arm Bushings - E30 E36 Z3 - Pair ...

These are control arm bushings from the E30 M3 which can be used on your vehicle for in...

T#:1457

Part#: TSU3080D30

In Stock

Sale - Save 10% $ 82.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 74.69 USD

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Sale - Save 10%

$ 82.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 74.69 USD

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These bushings have the hole off-center to give your car a little more track, caster, and camber. This style came as standard equipment on E30 M3s (8/89-later) and 1995 E36 M3 but will work with any E30, E36, Z3.

Rubber control arm bushings are designed to flex and absorb energy. That's fine on a streetcar but on an all-out racing machine you want your alignment to stay constant. We have picked Delrin for this application due to its high rigidity and low coefficient of friction allowing for minimal suspension bushing deflection (geometry change) but decreasing bushing windup or drag (friction). They are not recommended for street-use but highly-recommended for track cars.

To save time, pick up a pair of new bushing carrier brackets and hardware. This will save you the time and hassle of pressing out the old bushings. This will especially save you time if you're buying new control arms at the same time (no time wasted removing the old brackets from the arms). Stainless steel set screws included.

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Front Control Arm Bushings (FCAB) - Centered Solid Rubber - E30, E36,...

T#:338064

Part#: 31129069035

Ships on Jan 11, 2027

Starting at $ 46.99 USD

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Starting at $ 46.99 USD

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Anytime that you replace your front control arms you must replace your control arm bushings. The reason is because it's hard to tell if you're bushings are really bad and they are often destroyed when removed. These are the control arm bushings from the 1996-1999 E36 M3 and have the hole in the center.

These are the stock bushings bushings from the 1996-99 E36 M3 and MZ3 but are a great upgrade for any E30 - 318/325, E36 - 325/323/328, and Z3 -1.9, 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0. They have more rubber than the non-M stock bushings. We have found the increased volume of rubber helps the bushings last longer and have better steering response due to less deflection of the bushing. These bushings can actually help reduce vibrations produced by the mass of larger wheels or brakes.

For convenience, we carry the steel bushing carrier brackets (part# TSU9995PB3) with new hardware which will save you downtime caused by pressing out the old bushings and pressing in the new bushings.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1984-1991 E30 BMW 318i 318is 318ic 325e 325es 325i 325ic 325is
1992-1999 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ti 318ic 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic
1996-1999 E36 BMW M3
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 1.9 Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i M Coupe M Roadster

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Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing - Aluminum Shell (Offset) - Blac...

T#:21637196

Part#: PFF5-5303BLK

Ships in 1 Business Day

$ 213.99 USD

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$ 213.99 USD

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Powerflex Black Series Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing with an Aluminum Shell (Offset) brings numerous benefits to your BMW E36, including enhanced handling precision, sharper steering response, exceptional durability, and noise reduction Enhanced Handling Precision: When you opt for Powerflex Black Series Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing with an Aluminum Shell (Offset) for your BMW E36, you're giving your car a handling upgrade. These specialized bushings minimize suspension play and flex, resulting in a noticeable improvement in handling precision. Your BMW E36 becomes more responsive to your steering commands, making cornering and maneuvering smoother than ever. Sharper Steering Response: If you're tired of dealing with sluggish steering in your BMW E36, these upgraded bushings have your back. They enhance your car's steering response, giving you greater control and quicker reactions to your steering inputs. It's like establishing a direct line of communication between you and the road, making every turn in your BMW E36 a more engaging experience. Built to Last: Crafted with an aluminum shell, Powerflex Black Series Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushings are engineered for durability in your BMW E36. They're designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and spirited adventures without succumbing to wear and tear. With these robust bushings in your BMW E36, you can enjoy long-lasting performance and reliability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Noise Reduction: Powerflex bushings are adept at reducing road noise and vibrations, creating a quieter and more pleasant driving environment in your BMW E36. Say goodbye to annoying clunks and rattles, and savor a serene ride that lets you fully enjoy your journey. Hassle-Free Installation: The installation process for these bushings in your BMW E36 is straightforward, whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or prefer the expertise of professional mechanics. This user-friendly design saves you time and effort, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free upgrade. OE / OEM Cross Reference Numbers: 31129059288 / 31129058815 / 31129058931 Fits these BMW models: E36 - 318i, 318is, 318ti, 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 328is E30 - 318i, 318is, 325e, 325i Z1/Z3

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Basic Monoball Bearing Service Kit

T#:401616

Part#: 80402KT2

Ships in 3 Business Days

Sale - Save 2% $ 103.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 101.44 USD

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Sale - Save 2%

$ 103.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 101.44 USD

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This monoball service kit is designed to ensure long-lasting performance of your BMW suspension components by providing the correct CV-2 grease and a Schwaben snap-in grease gun nozzle—perfect for proper installation and routine maintenance at every oil change.

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Rod End Boot (14-18mm) - Priced Each

T#:599632

Part#: RERS3

In Stock

Sale - Save 43% $ 27.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
03-27-2026

$ 16.00 USD

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Sale - Save 43%

$ 27.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
03-27-2026

$ 16.00 USD

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Extend the life of your heim joints with this flexible rubber protective boot. Designed to fit 14mm–18mm spherical bearings and rod ends, it shields critical components from dirt, moisture, and road debris. Keeping contaminants out helps ensure consistent performance and reduces wear over time.

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BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E30 (1984-1991)

Sub-Categories

FCAB Offset Delrin Race Control Arm Bushings - E30 E36 Z3 - Pair ...

Front Control Arm Bushings (FCAB) - Centered Solid Rubber - E30, E36,...

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing - Aluminum Shell (Offset) - Blac...

Basic Monoball Bearing Service Kit

Rod End Boot (14-18mm) - Priced Each

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