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

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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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Meyle Steel Front Control Arm - Right - E30
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Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:378631
Part#: 31121127726
In Stock
$ 93.99 USD
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$ 93.99 USD
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Includes ball joints
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...
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Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
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
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 10%
$ 82.99

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

$ 74.69 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

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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Meyle Front Control Arm Bracket - E30 E36 Z3
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Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:178014
Part#: 31121136532MY
Ships on Dec 10, 2026
$ 42.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Restore precise steering feel and eliminate unwanted noise. This Meyle bracket includes pre-pressed bushings for a straightforward installation, directly replacing worn components.

Meyle Front Left Control Arm Bushing with Bracket - E30 non-M, E36 Z3...
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:178013
Part#: 31121136531MY
Ships on Dec 10, 2026
$ 42.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Restore precise front-end feel and handling with this Meyle HD Front Left Control Arm Bushing and Bracket assembly. Engineered for durability, it includes the bracket and mounting hardware for a straightforward, performance-oriented replacement.
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Rod End Boot (14-18mm) - Priced Each
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Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
T#:599632
Part#: RERS3
In Stock
Sale - Save 25% $ 19.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-14-2026

$ 15.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 25%
$ 19.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-14-2026

$ 15.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
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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Front Control Arm Bushings - Pair
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:594507
Part#: 31129058931
Back Ordered
$ 20.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Anytime that you replace your front control arms (which should be often), 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 bushings have the hole in the center and came standard on the 318i/325i.

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

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