BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW E36 (1992-1998) M3

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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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Quick Steer/Roll Center Correction Race Kit - E36 M3 S50 (w/ Z3 Steer...
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
For vehicles with a Z3 2.7 Steering Rack installed only
Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
T#:636994
Part#: 022961TMS012KT4
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 902.99 USD
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$ 902.99 USD
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Not only does our Roll Center Correction Race Kit correct your roll center and improve handling, but it also provides increased steering response and bump steer correction. Thanks to the use of our rack limiters, you can maintain the same steering angle as before, while drastically decreasing steering wheel input. After the kit was installed on our E36 M3 test vehicle equipped with a Z3 2.7 turn lock to lock steering rack, it only required 2 full turns lock to lock. A reduction of 26%! Bump steer is also correctable to virtually 0, thanks to spacers to adjust tie rods up or down. When you lower a car, it drastically changes the geometry of the suspension. While lowering a car makes it handle better by lowering the center of gravity, the roll center is negatively impacted, increasing the roll moment, which causes cornering forces to have more of an effect on the body roll of the vehicle. This is normally ignored because the stiffer lowering springs make the issue less noticeable, but ultimately grip is lost, and body roll is increased. Once the roll center has been corrected it is immediately apparent how much the performance of the vehicle had been suffering prior. By correcting the outer ball joint location with our Roll Center Correction Race Kit, the instantaneous center of rotation is raised, bringing the roll center much closer to the center of gravity, and significantly decreasing roll movement. This minimizes body roll, provides more grip, and ultimately leads to an improved and predictable driving feel. Roll Center can be a rather complex concept. Let’s break it down: On a McPherson front suspension vehicle, both the top of the strut and lower control arm sit at an angle. If you were to draw 2 lines, one from the upper strut mount perpendicular to the steering axis (line through lower ball joint and upper strut mount pivot) and another from the control arm outer and inner ball joint/pivot, Where they intersect is called the instantaneous center of rotation. This is the point about which the suspension is rotating at that instant. Now, noting the vertical center of the car, draw another line from the bottom of the center of the tire contact patch, to the instantaneous center of rotation. Where this line intersects with the vertical center of the car is where your “roll center” is. The distance between the roll center, and the center of gravity is called the “roll moment”. The larger the distance, the larger the body roll. By decreasing the distance between your center of gravity and your roll center, you can decrease the amount of body roll, and decrease suspension geometry change, and ultimately gain better handling. Features: 6061-T6 billet aluminum steering plate All specially designed, melonite coated, class 10.9 hardware Provides roll center correction for lowered cars (coilovers recommended, lowering springs and replacement shocks generally provide too much droop) Provides bump steer correction and adjustment Includes ball joint replacements (e36M 027427TMS01~A, E36/46 NM 022961TMS01~A) Kitted with high-quality FK rod ends
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Rod End Boot (14-18mm) - Priced Each
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
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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Doorbusters - Corporate Logo
T#:22822587
Part#: 029305ECS01DBKT
In Stock
$ 1,533.99 USD
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$ 1,533.99 USD
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Elevate the performance of your E36 M3 with the ECS Tuning Performance Coilover System. This sport-tuned suspension offers adjustable height, damping, and body settings, providing substantial performance benefits. Crafted with high-quality materials and coatings, it replaces worn suspension components while achieving the ideal ride height.

  • Spring Rates: Front 6kg/mm, Rear 8kg/mm
  • Performance Features:
    • 32 levels of rebound damping adjustment
    • Monotube shocks/struts with optimized progressive rate coil springs for road-sticking grip
    • Lowered ride height improves handling performance
    • Adjustable front bodies for personalized ride height and correct spring pre-load
  • Product Design:
    • Durable gloss black powder coat on strut and shock bodies
    • Clear zinc-coated threaded portions for corrosion protection
    • Reflex Silver Metallic finish on powder-coated coil springs
    • Red anodized billet aluminum lower spring seats with locking collars
    • Integrated bump stops

Revitalize your E30/E36 with the FCAB and pre-installed monoball upgrade. This front control arm bushing replacement offers precise, predictable handling without the harshness of solid bushings. Greaseable and serviceable, it enhances performance without sacrificing daily driving comfort.

  • Stock vs. Upgrade:
    • Stock rubber bushings designed for comfort, not optimal performance
    • Poly and delrin bushings compromise handling and wear prematurely
  • Turner Front Control Arm Spherical Bearings:
    • Greaseable spherical bearing for improved precision and durability
    • 6061-T6 anodized housing with needle grease zerk for easy maintenance
    • Precision CNC machined Delrin arm adapter for a tight fit
  • Performance Benefits:
    • Instant, crisp steering and braking response
    • Easy maintenance with long-lasting performance
    • Improved road feel without undesirable NVH

Ensure optimal performance with Turner's Front Control Arm Spherical Bearings – a must-have for track enthusiasts and a great upgrade for spirited driving on the streets.

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Doorbusters - Corporate Logo
T#:47473691
Part#: 017738TMSDBKT
In Stock
$ 635.99 USD
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$ 635.99 USD
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Dial in your BMW’s handling like never before with this exclusive Doorbuster offer! Turner Motorsport’s Monoball Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB) deliver precision alignment, improved rear articulation, and race-inspired performance for the street or track. With a newly available sealed design, these bushings combine ultimate performance with long-lasting durability—making them the perfect upgrade for any BMW enthusiast.

Turner Monoball Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB)

Turner’s redesigned RTABs now feature a sealed bearing, protecting against contaminants like salt, grit, and road debris while eliminating the need for any lubrication or maintenance—ever. Drawing on over two decades of racetrack expertise, Turner brings precision, durability, and performance straight to your BMW.

Key Benefits:

Eliminates unwanted deflection, maintaining alignment and reducing wheel hop

Allows full trailing arm articulation with low-friction movement

Eliminates binding issues common in rubber or poly bushings

Street-ready: uses OE Lemforder sealed, greased ball joints for long life without increasing NVH

Design Features:

Housing: CNC billet 6061-T6 aluminum, type II anodized for corrosion resistance and strength

Bearing: OE Mercedes/Lemforder 2043520027 sealed ball joint

Bearing Inserts: CNC machined 303 stainless steel

Rebuildable: Rebuild Kit ES2695379 (x2) available

Turner Monoball Rear Upper Control Arm Inner Bushings – Race

For the ultimate in performance, Turner also offers monoball rear upper control arm bushings designed exclusively for track use. These race-grade bushings prevent side loading, allowing full control arm movement and unparalleled precision. While optimized for the track, daring enthusiasts willing to tolerate increased noise, vibration, and harshness may also consider them for street use.

Turner Motorsport continues to deliver high-quality BMW performance parts that combine durability, precision, and race-bred technology—allowing your BMW to perform at its full potential.

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Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:34181268
Part#: PFF5-303H
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 90.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up


The Powerflex [PFF5-303H] Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Eccentric (Heritage) is designed for BMW E36, E30, Z3, and Z1 models.

  • Heritage Style: Retro look with modern polyurethane for durability.
  • Eccentric Design: Adjusts suspension geometry, increasing caster for better handling.
  • Improved Performance: Reduces play in the control arms, enhancing steering precision and stability.
  • Durable: Resistant to wear and road contaminants, lasting longer than rubber.

Ideal for keeping the classic look of your BMW while improving handling and longevity.

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Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:34147742
Part#: PFR5-4618H
In Stock
$ 89.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Managing dynamic toe and camber alignment under heavy cornering loads is critical to maintaining maximum tire contact patch

Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:34080757
Part#: PFR5-306H
In Stock
$ 179.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

The Powerflex Rear Trailing Arm Bushing for BMW E30, Z3, E21, E36/5 (318ti), and 2002 models is a high-performance suspension upgrade designed to replace the stock rubber bushings. Made from durable polyurethane, this bushing enhances the connection between the trailing arm and chassis, resulting in better handling and improved suspension control.

Key Features:

  • Material: Made from high-quality polyurethane, which offers superior durability and resistance to wear compared to standard rubber bushings.
  • Performance Improvement: Minimizes flex and movement in the rear trailing arms, leading to better suspension alignment, increased stability, and more precise handling, especially during cornering and hard acceleration.
  • Direct Replacement: This bushing is a direct-fit replacement for the factory bushings in BMW E30, Z3, E21, E36/5, and 2002 models, ensuring easy installation without modifications.
  • Longevity: Polyurethane bushings last longer than rubber, offering extended service life, especially in demanding driving conditions.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Stability: Reduces excessive movement in the rear suspension, providing improved cornering performance and reducing body roll.
  • Increased Durability: Polyurethane resists wear from heat, oils, and road debris, ensuring longer-lasting performance compared to rubber bushings.
  • Better Control: Firmer suspension response improves driving precision, making this an excellent choice for both street and track use.

The Powerflex Rear Trailing Arm Bushing is perfect for BMW enthusiasts who want to improve the performance, handling, and longevity of their car’s suspension. Ideal for both daily driving and performance-focused builds.

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Rogue Engineering - Corporate Logo
T#:34885415
Part#: RE.ARCA.2.RE
Ships in 8 Business Days
$ 395.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401479
Part#: IRPDK36-2
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,567.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,567.99 USD
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Looking to upgrade your front suspension to increase the strength and your steering angle for the track? IRP has you covered with their BMW Lock Kit. This kit includes new control arms that are stronger than stock, are a chromolon tubular system, and have monoball ball joints, new tie rod ends that feature steel monoball ball joints as well, new offset control arm bushings, fully adjustable camber plates, roll center/bump steer correction plates, and all new hardware. This enables this kit to be fully plug and play, giving you a much more adjustable front suspension, and increases the total amount of steering angle up to 70 degrees.

This kit is perfect for those looking to build a drift car and ensure their suspension is ready to take on the challenge.

*This Pro kit offers reduced weight control arms that help this kit shed 2.9 lbs from the standard kit while still remaining just as strong thanks to their chromolon tubular design.*

Kit features:

  • CNC Laser Cut Components
  • Plug & Play - includes all needed hardware
  • Increase to 70 Degree (or more) steering angle (5 degrees more than standard version)
  • Includes Camber Plates
  • Stiffer offset control arm bushings
  • Roll Center and Bump Steer Correction Plates
  • High Strength chromolon tubular control arms with steel monoball ball joints (2cm wider than standard version)
  • Increased length steering tie rods with steel monoball ball joints
  • DriftAllstar- & EEDC-Tested
  • Total weight of all components included: 12.2kg / 26.9lbs (1.3kg / 2.9lbs lighter that standard version)

Fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW All Submodels

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IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401478
Part#: IRPDK36-1
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,209.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,209.99 USD
Free Shipping

Looking to upgrade your front suspension to increase the strength and your steering angle for the track? IRP has you covered with their BMW Lock Kit. This kit includes new control arms that are stronger than stock and have monoball ball joints, new tie rod ends that feature steel monoball ball joints as well, new offset control arm bushings, fully adjustable camber plates, roll center/bump steer correction plates, and all new hardware. This enables this kit to be fully plug and play, giving you a much more adjustable front suspension, and increases the total amount of steering angle up to 65 degrees.

This kit is perfect for those looking to build a drift car and ensure their suspension is ready to take on the challenge.

Kit features:

  • CNC Laser Cut Components
  • Plug & Play - includes all needed hardware
  • Increase to 65 Degree (or more) steering angle
  • Includes Camber Plates
  • Stiffer offset control arm bushings
  • Roll Center and Bump Steer Correction Plates
  • High strength control arms with steel monoball ball joints
  • Increased length steering tie rods with steel monoball ball joints
  • DriftAllstar- & EEDC-Tested
  • Total weight of all components included: 13.5 kg / 29.8 lbs

Fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW All Submodels

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Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
T#:348335
Part#: TSU9995PB3.875KT
Back Ordered
$ 208.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 208.99 USD
Free Shipping