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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ECS Tuning Performance Adjustable Rear Control Arm Set - E36 E46 Z4 E...
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Earn 5% back in Turner Rewards on orders placed 10/28-10/31. Redeem 11/27-12/1. Terms & conditions apply
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:376801
Part#: 002608ECS01
In Stock
Sale - Save 25% $ 458.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 344.24 USD
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Sale - Save 25%
$ 458.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 344.24 USD
Free Shipping

Stock rear lower control arms offer very little adjustment for alignment, especially in lowered vehicles, due to their use of an eccentric bolt. These aftermarket performance control arms from ECS Tuning are designed for maximum adjustability, allowing you to maximize handling and minimize tire wear.

To ensure maximum reliability, ECS Tuning's control arms are constructed from strong, lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum and feature a 303 stainless steel center turnbuckle that offers over 8 degrees of fast and precise camber adjustment. The inner bushing is a stock style serviceable OEM bushing for long life and inexpensive maintenance.

Features:

Durable construction suitable for the daily driver and track car alike
8+ degrees adjustment range for dialing in any suspension and wheel/tire setup
Center located adjuster for maximum clearance during adjustment
OEM-style bushing for long life and inexpensive service
Black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with 303 stainless steel turnbuckle
Includes new hardware
*With the exception of the stance community, most enthusiasts will need no more than a few degrees of adjustment range. Total adjustment often is dependent on wheel/tire clearances.

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ECS Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter Set
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:362987
Part#: 003301ECS01AKT
In Stock
Sale - Save 5% $ 88.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 84.54 USD
Free Shipping
Sale - Save 5%
$ 88.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 84.54 USD
Free Shipping

The E36/E46 rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) wear out faster than any other bushing on the car. Worn RTAB will cause excessive toe alignment change and give a 'loose' or 'floaty' feeling in the rear handling. One of the reasons for this is that they over-extend during motion, stretching and twisting the rubber in all directions. These shims sit on either side of the bushing and limit the amount of extension from the bushing. Not only will you get more life from your RTAB but these will help stiffen the bushing during cornering. But during normal driving you will still have all of the comfort of the stock rubber bushings. These part about these bushings is how easy they are to install - simply slide them in place during your bushing install. They can be added to pre-installed bushings too by dropping the trailing arm and removing the cage around the bushing.

Works with stock rubber bushings only (not urethane or Delrin).

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Fall Line - Corporate Logo
T#:5580954
Part#: FLM-E46-1BUNI
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 408.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 408.00 USD
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Fall Line’s mono ball spherical bearing conversion kit transforms the rear suspension feel of the E46 and E36 M3. The factory rubber bushing is very large, and is prone to substantial deflection under load, as the M3 is put through its paces. Deflection of the bushing can create unwanted geometry change, steering wobble under braking, and even hysteresis of the thrust arm.
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Doorbusters - Corporate Logo
T#:22822587
Part#: 029305ECS01DBKT
In Stock
$ 1,533.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,533.99 USD
Free Shipping

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
Free Shipping
$ 635.99 USD
Free Shipping

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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