BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 8 Series E31 (1991-1997)

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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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OEM Lemforder Front Upper Ball Joint/Bushing - E31
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
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Lemforder - Corporate Logo
T#:393910
Part#: 33321137819
Ships on Dec 9, 2026
$ 61.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Ball joints begin to pop and rattle after a long period of wear and tear. An OEM Lemforder ball joint is the perfect replacement to ensure complete reliability eliminate any noises from the suspension.

OEM Lemförder is an engineering company that focuses on high-quality, precision manufacturing of critical suspension and steering components. Providing exceptionally high quality parts directly to BMW, as well as 50+ other big name automotive companies, such as Mercedes and Audi, their history of reliability and variety of offered parts makes them one of the biggest names for a go-to OEM parts provider. Lemförder parts place an important emphasis on design, production, and assembly, ensuring maximum reliability. They even coat all parts possible with corrosion protection for extended longevity.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

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Lemforder Front Upper Control Arm - Right - E31, E32
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Lemforder - Corporate Logo
T#:401813
Part#: 31121140000
Back Ordered
$ 109.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 109.99 USD
Free Shipping
Does not include rubber mounting
Powerflex Performance Polyurethane Control Arm Bushing Set - E31 ...
Used in the inner position of the lower rear control arm
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:376489
Part#: PFF5-620X2
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 90.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 90.99 USD
Free Shipping

Control arm bushings play a key role in connecting the wheels to the chassis of the vehicle. Tasked with keeping suspension geometry in check while absorbing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) factory rubber bushings were engineered to provide a balance of comfort and control. As a factory bushing ages, it becomes brittle and begins to harden. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow excess play in the suspension joint. This is typically felt by a sudden jerk forward after the car comes to a stop and is a leading cause of "sloppy" or "loose" suspension feel. By replacing the bushing with a full polyurethane unit or using a bushing insert, this play is eliminated since the suspension joint is being supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of the urethane material translates body forces much more directly. This means steering inputs from the driver are effectively transferred to the wheels and vital road information is transmitted properly from the wheels to the driver.

Powerflex street bushings are ideal for street driven vehicles and those that see occasional autocross or track time. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved steering feel, turn in, more responsive handling and overall improved chassis composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings.

Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. 

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Powerflex Heritage Series Front Upper Control Arm Bushing (Thrust Rod...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:51567118
Part#: PFF5-601H
In Stock
New Item
$ 104.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Manufactured using the same premium polyurethane as our street series, but in a dark grey color. These bushings improve any collector car, while retaining the same standard appearance of a rubber bushing.
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E31 / E32 / E4Front Upper Control Arm Bushing (Thrust Rod) - Street -...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:22163400
Part#: PFF5-601
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 104.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Control arm bushings play a key role in connecting the wheels to the chassis of the vehicle. Tasked with keeping suspension geometry in check while absorbing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) factory rubber bushings were engineered to provide a balance of comfort and control. As a factory bushing ages, it becomes brittle and begins to harden. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow excess play in the suspension joint. This is typically felt by a sudden jerk forward after the car comes to a stop and is a leading cause of "sloppy" or "loose" suspension feel. By replacing the bushing with a full polyurethane unit or using a bushing insert, this play is eliminated since the suspension joint is being supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of the urethane material translates body forces much more directly. This means steering inputs from the driver are effectively transferred to the wheels and vital road information is transmitted properly from the wheels to the driver. Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved steering feel, turn in, more responsive handling and overall improved chassis composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings. Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. This part fits the following BMWs: 1986 - 1994 E32 730i 735i 735iL 740i 740iL 750iL
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OEM Lemforder Front Control Arm Bushing - E28 E34 E24 E32 E31 E83 E53...
Used in the inner position of the lower rear control arm
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Lemforder - Corporate Logo
T#:376281
Part#: 31121124622
In Stock at Vendor
$ 16.24

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-09-2026

$ 16.10 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 16.10 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Bushings tends to wear over time and split or even break free from the internal sleeve, causing excessive movement and sloppy control feel. OEM Lemförder bushings are the perfect option to restore suspension back to day 1 quality.

OEM Lemförder is an engineering company that focuses on high-quality, precision manufacturing of critical suspension and steering components. Providing exceptionally high quality parts directly to BMW, as well as 50+ other big name automotive companies, such as Mercedes and Audi, their history of reliability and variety of offered parts makes them one of the biggest names for a go-to OEM parts provider. Lemförder parts place an important emphasis on design, production, and assembly, ensuring maximum reliability. They even coat all parts possible with corrosion protection for extended longevity.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

Show More Show Less