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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Race German - Corporate Logo
T#:38128028
Part#: BMWRTABRACKETS
Ships in 4 Business Days
$ 158.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Upgrade your BMW’s suspension setup with these adjustable rear trailing arm brackets, trusted by performance-driven drivers and professionals. Available exclusively from Turner Motorsport, these brackets provide superior alignment correction, ensuring a confident and controlled driving experience.
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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:362721
Part#: PFR5-3608BX2
In Stock
$ 101.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 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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Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:558797
Part#: W61923
In Stock
$ 77.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Optimize rear suspension geometry with Whiteline suspension bushings. Often overlooked, Whiteline trailing arm bushings offer superior dynamic alignment precision by controlling excessive movement - providing driver reassurance for more predictable handling.

Features:

  • Performance - Whiteline's engineered "Synthetic Elastomer" bushings feature the quality ride of rubber at lower speeds and at higher speeds react when under cornering, accelerating and braking loads, for CHASSIS CONTROL and improved handling.
  • Durable - The advanced synthetic elastomer characteristics ensure superior elasticity, memory and outright durability for all forms of driving applications!
  • Resistant - Whiteline's synthetic elastomer formulation boasts resistance to oil, grease, ozone and weathering
  • Lubricant - Supplied with extreme pressure molybdenum disulphide (LM) based grease (where required) for extended life.
  • Installer Friendly - Designed with the installer in mind by reducing the need of specialized skills, tools and equipment.
  • Black - The neutral (black) appearance favored by restorers and racers.
  • Lifetime Warranty - All Whiteline bushing kits are backed by a lifetime warranty
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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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GODSPEED - Corporate Logo
T#:600123
Part#: AK-034
In Stock
$ 180.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 180.00 USD
Free Shipping
These are a cheap, performance addition that give you greater adjustment ranges and versatility as well as more positive feedback of road feel thanks to their solid design.
Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:372857
Part#: W62384
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 118.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

These bushings replace the stock rubber bushings and offer a better driving feel, increased lifespan, and better wheel alignment.

Rubber bushing allow for a lot more movement and are more susceptible to wear and tear from spirited driving and harsh weather conditions. Polyurethane is much more resistant to wear and is stiffer, reducing the total amount of movement that would normally affect the alignment negatively.

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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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Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:26638198
Part#: W62622
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 60.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Following thorough development and testing of materials aimed at providing strength, durability, geometry retention, and memory without sacrificing comfort, WHITELINE has introduced a progressive, long-chain Synthetic Elastomer. This innovative material combines the physical benefits of solid bushings with the flexibility of rubber, offering enhanced performance characteristics.
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Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:11660864
Part#: W62625
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 57.88 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
After comprehensive development and rigorous material testing focused on achieving strength, durability, geometry retention, and memory without compromising comfort, WHITELINE has achieved a breakthrough with its progressive, long-chain Synthetic Elastomer. This innovative material seamlessly combines the advantageous properties of solid bushings with the extreme flexibility characteristics of rubber, resulting in an unmatched balance of performance and comfort.
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