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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IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401372
Part#: IRPCA-ST
In Stock
$ 233.99 USD
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$ 233.99 USD
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If you are looking for a wider range of camber adjustability in the rear of you car, the IRP Adjustable rear lower control arm is exactly what you need! Built to be much stronger than stock, these rear control arms feature inner monoball bushings and are built of steel, reducing the weight as well. These are perfect for a lowered car or for a track car that needs a greater level of rear adjustment.

Features:

  • Strong Steel Construction
  • Adjustable
  • Painted Yellow For Corrosion Protection
  • Weight Reduction
  • Monoball Inner Mount

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ic 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999-2006 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi M3
2003-2008 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si Z4 M Roadster M Coupe

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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:362721
Part#: PFR5-3608BX2
In Stock
$ 101.99 USD
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$ 101.99 USD
Free Shipping

Rear trailing arm bushings serve the key purpose of keeping rear suspension triangulated and the vehicle moving where it's directed to. Though failure prone, even factory-fresh OEM rubber bushings allow for deflection, causing suspension geometry changes on hard launches, over bumps in the road, and during cornering. This deflection results in clunking in the rear end, a “rear steer” feeling, and uneven tire wear.

Powerflex polyurethane rear trailing arm bushings are firmer than OEM bushings, resulting in a reduction of deflection that causes these suspension angle changes, improving handling over bumps and with a proper alignment, extending tire wear.

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 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 Product fits the following BMWs:
E36 1992-1999 318i 318is 318ti 320i 323i 325i 325is 328i 328is 
E46 2000-2006
Z4 All

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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:376794
Part#: PFF5-301BWH
In Stock
$ 149.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 149.99 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. Need bushings for a dedicated track car? 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. 

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Condor Speed Shop - Corporate Logo
T#:40917450
Part#: RTAMB-E36-E46
In Stock at Vendor
$ 265.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Condor Speed Shop collaborated with Syncro Design Works to create these new Monoball Rear Trailing Arm Bushings designed for the track! While also at home on the street, these performance bushings are designed to handle the stresses of the track, offering a full range of articulation for optimal suspension geometry and a sealed design for maintenance-free operation and a long life. SDW's' own 410hp shop track/streetcar still has the original prototype bearing installed in 2009, with no measurable toe deflection. Condor RTAMBs are precision CNC machined and hard coat anodized to protect against corrosion, moisture, and salt spray. They come fully assembled and ready to install. NOTE: Professional installation recommended. These bushings must be pressed into the factory Rear Trailing Arms.
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Condor Speed Shop - Corporate Logo
T#:577566
Part#: RTAB36-OFFSET
In Stock at Vendor
$ 99.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 99.00 USD
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Condor's Offset Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTABs) are perfect for the street and the track. They're designed to help correct rear toe-in and toe-out issues on lowered cars. To correct for toe-in: RTABs can be installed with the thick side inboard to help push the rear trailing arms towards the outsides of the car. To correct for toe-out when running minimal camber setup: RTABs can be installed with the thin sides inboard to help push the trailing arms inwards. The amount of total adjustment is purely dependent on how low your car is, but we've seen toe adjustment from 1/8” out on each side to 1/8” in on each side, which is a super nice range for the e36 rear end! They use UHMW in all of their suspension bushings because it is self-lubricating, meaning it requires no grease when installing, has almost zero deflection yet also absorbs some vibration. It will outlast other types of rubber or urethane bushings. They include black oxide plated steel plates for each RTAB to prevent lateral movement between the bushing material and the aluminum. Polyurethane and rubber bushings will deflect and slide, causing your rear alignment settings to change mid-corner. With these bushings, you won't have to worry about dynamic changes in your toe settings; the rear alignment stays in check during hard cornering, braking, and acceleration. This item fits the following BMWs: 1992-1998 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ic 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3 1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi M3 2003-2008 Z4 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si Z4 M Roadster M Coupe Kit includes a pair of trailing arm bushings
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Condor Speed Shop - Corporate Logo
T#:583280
Part#: S-CON-CAM-23
Ships on Sep 22, 2026
$ 184.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 184.99 USD
Free Shipping

Swapping in E46 control arms into your E30 or E36 significantly increases negative camber by widening the track width and also gives you more clearance for more steering angle. Condor's CNC machined control arm brackets are made from solid steel and are fitted with a solid hex-shaped bushing. Designed for the street or the track, they hold the control arm steady and eliminate "shimmy" caused by stock bushings. They sharpen steering and improve overall driving feel. Comparable to the NLA Treehouse E36 & E30 Eyeball Arms.

Easiest install of any aftermarket solution
Allow clearance for E30 M50 Conversion exhaust
Street Approved, marginal increase in NVH
Easy Installation, no need for a press
CNC machined steel construction
Solid design without the maintenance of spherical bearings
Heavy-Duty replaceable UHMW insert. Don't be misinformed, UHMW is the best material for these inserts. Delrin is not self-lubricating and will crack and degrade over time.
Powder coated white for corrosion resistance
Improve caster with M3 offset geometry
Keep proper steering geometry under high loads
Made in the U.S.A.
Fitment:
E30 84-91 3 Series
E36 92-98 3 series & Z3

Note that you will need to use E36 outer tie rods and E90 inner tie rods when installing in an E30 or E36

Be sure to measure your control arms to determine if you need 21mm or 23mm. Meyle makes a standard e46 control arm and a Heavy Duty control arm. Most HD arms have a hex that is larger in size (23mm). Lifetime Warranty

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SPL Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:553732
Part#: SPLRLLE36
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 404.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 404.00 USD
Free Shipping

These SPL parts adjustable rear camber arms replace OEM part number 33326770813

SPL Parts is a performance suspension manufacturer that designs and tests their products all in-house here in the USA. Additionally, all materials used are sourced from American suppliers to ensure consistently high quality products. SPL Parts products are all constructed using 6061-T6 aluminum tubing, DOM mandrel bent tubing, and 6061 and 2024 aluminum for high strength and quality. All TIG welding and CNC machining is also done locally by professional welders and machine shops to meet exact quality standards and tolerance specifications. For anything from racing to street driven needs, SPL Parts offer an amazing line of premium quality products that are perfect to get your car back in spec.

These rear camber arms allow for significantly greater camber adjustment over stock, a major benefit to lowered cars that need their camber readjusted to prevent tire wear and poor handling. These camber arms also provide increased stability and predictability versus the stock camber arms with rubber bushings.

Technical Specifications:

  • Lightweight Aluminum, Titanium, and Chromoly construction
  • Anodized Black for corrosion protection and durable finish
  • Gundrilled center hex links for maximum weight savings
  • Teflon lined FK Rod Ends
  • Made in the USA

Fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW All Submodels
1999-2006 E46 BMW RWD Models

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Condor Speed Shop - Corporate Logo
T#:583278
Part#: CON-CAB-P
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 195.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 195.99 USD
Free Shipping

Swapping in E46 control arms into your E30 or E36 will significantly increase negative camber by widening the track width and will also give you more clearance for more steering angle. Condor's conversion bushings are machined from UHMW due to its high rigidity and low coefficient of friction allowing for minimal suspension bushing deflection (geometry change). They've designed them offset to re-center the wheel and give your e30/e36 the correct caster. They will include a stainless-steel insert that tightly presses over the hex pattern on the E46 control arms. You do not need to grind down your control arms or make any other modifications to your chassis. Please note that you will need to use E36 outer tie rods and E90 inner tie rods when installing in an E30 or E36.

Fitment:
Fits the following Meyle and Lemforder arms with 21-22MM Hex.

LEMFORDER ZHP - 31122282121 & 31122282122
LEMFORDER - 31126777851 & 31126777852
MEYLE HD - 31126777851 & 31126777852
*Please note that Meyle makes a standard e46 control arm and a Heavy Duty control arm. SOME HD arms have a hex that is larger in size. These HD control arms may need to be shaved 1-2 mm for proper fitment.

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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:376548
Part#: PFF5-303BX2
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 98.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 98.99 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 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:
1982 - 1991 E30 318i 318is 325 325e 325es 325i 325is 325iC 325ix
1995 - 1998 E36 M3
 

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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:362722
Part#: PFF5-301BX2
In Stock
$ 84.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 84.99 USD
Free Shipping

Tasked with keeping the vehicles rear end firmly mounted while absorbing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) factory rubber subframe bushings were engineered to provide a balance of control while keeping the ride quality soft and supple. As a factory bushings age, they become brittle and begin to harden. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow excess play, or movement in the subframe. This is typically felt by a sudden jerk or "thunking" noise under acceleration and is a leading cause of "sloppy" or "loose" suspension feel. By replacing the bushings with full polyurethane this play is eliminated since the subframe is being held in place 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 and acceleration 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. Need bushings for a dedicated track car? 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 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:
1982 - 1991 E30 318i 318is 325 325e 325es 325i 325is 325iC 325ix
1992-1999 E36 318i 318is 318ti 320i 323i 325i 325is 328i 328is M3
1995 - 2002 M Coupe Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0

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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
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, 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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