BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E36 (1992-1998)

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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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Trailing Arm Bushing - Priced Each
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:594607
Part#: 33326771828
Ships on Oct 14, 2026
$ 14.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Bushing located in the rear lower position of the rear trailing arm. Priced Each. Used for both driver and passenger sides.
Front And Rear Suspension Refresh Kit - BMW E36 M3 S50
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:24577348
Part#: E36S50FRSRKT
Back Ordered
$ 3,116.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
04-15-2026

$ 2,664.99 USD
$ 2,664.99 USD
This kit includes all of the necessary high-quality aftermarket parts to completely rebuild your front and rear suspension in one comprehensive package! Level 3 includes: 2 front control arms 2 control arm bushings 4 sway bar end links 2 tie rod assemblies 2 strut mounts 2 strut mount gaskets 2 strut mount reinforcement plates 2 Heavy Duty ECS rear shock mount reinforcement plates 2 rear upper control arm bushings 2 camber arm bushings 4 rear upper and lower trailing arm ball joint upgrade 1 differential bushing 4 rear subframe bushings 2 trailing arm bushings 2 rear shock mount gaskets 2 upgraded rear shock mounts from the E46 M3 4 ECS RTAB limiters Adding strut reinforcement plates will help prevent the deformation of the strut tower and possible cracking. Upgrading the rear shock mounts and adding reinforcement plates is highly recommended because of the known failures with the mounts ripping apart. Replacing the lower trailing arm bushings with a ball joint will not only give a more solid feel in the suspension but last longer due to its rubber seal design.
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Front Control Arm Bushing Set
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:594509
Part#: 31129059288
Back Ordered
$ 20.95 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Symptoms of failed control arm bushings commonly include a loose and imprecise feel in the steering, excessive shaking and vibration through the steering that increases with speed and braking, and squeaking, whining or grinding from the front when turning at slow speeds.
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Rein Rear Control Arm Bushing - E36, E46, E83, Z4
2X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:363435
Part#: 33321092247
Back Ordered
$ 28.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Upper control arm to subframe bushing

Corteco - Corporate Logo
T#:15478733
Part#: 33321092247
Back Ordered
$ 11.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
If you're experiencing a less than stellar ride, a shaky steering wheel or suspension noise, your control arm bushings might need replaced.
Turner Rear Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 2 - E36 318ti
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:583095
Part#: T33329061945KT6
Back Ordered
Sale - Save 8% $ 223.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 206.92 USD
Free Shipping
Sale - Save 8%
$ 223.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 206.92 USD
Free Shipping

Eliminate the most common sources of suspension slop with our all new Turner Suspension Refresh Kits that feature only OEM parts! We do not include any "cheap parts" in our refresh kits to ensure long-lasting reliability and noise-free suspension.

This Level 2 kit replaces:

Subframe Bushings
Shock Mounts & Reinforcement Plates
Diff Bushings
Trailing Arm Bushings
Sway Bar End Links
Self Locking Collar Nut

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Turner Rear Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 1 - E36 318ti
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:583044
Part#: T33329061945KT1
Back Ordered
Sale - Save 16% $ 145.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 122.16 USD
Free Shipping
Sale - Save 16%
$ 145.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 122.16 USD
Free Shipping

Eliminate the most common sources of suspension slop with our all new Turner Suspension Refresh Kits that feature only OEM parts! We do not include any "cheap parts" in our refresh kits to ensure long-lasting reliability and noise-free suspension.

This Level 1 kit replaces:

Rear Shock Mounts & Gaskets
Reinforcement Plates
Trailing Arm Bushings
Hardware

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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:372566
Part#: 33321092247KT5
Back Ordered
$ 4,338.16

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
04-06-2026

$ 3,869.34 USD
$ 3,869.34 USD

BMW E46 M3 Front And Rear Suspension Refresh Kit is designed to rejuvenate and enhance the suspension performance of BMW E46 M3 vehicles. By replacing worn components with upgraded parts, this kit delivers superior handling and extends the lifespan of the suspension system.

Symptoms of a worn suspension include a loose and imprecise steering feel, excessive vibrations through the steering wheel, and noises like squeaking, grinding, or clunking. This refresh kit addresses these issues and improves performance compared to stock components.

Level 3 Kit Includes:

  • 2 front control arms
  • 2 control arm bushings
  • 4 sway bar end links
  • 2 tie rod assemblies
  • 2 strut mounts
  • 2 strut mount gaskets
  • 2 strut mount reinforcement plates
  • 2 rear shock mount reinforcement plates from the Z3
  • 2 rear upper control arm bushings
  • 2 camber arm bushings
  • 4 rear upper and lower trailing arm ball joint upgrades
  • 1 differential bushing
  • 4 rear subframe bushings
  • 2 trailing arm bushings
  • 2 rear shock mount gaskets

Upgrading to strut reinforcement plates prevents deformation of the strut tower and possible cracking. Enhanced rear shock mounts with reinforcement plates are highly recommended to address known failures, while the ball joint design for lower trailing arm bushings ensures a more solid suspension feel and durability.

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