BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003)

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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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Meyle Rear Guide Link - E38 E39
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Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:362102
Part#: 33326768791
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$ 67.99 USD
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$ 67.99 USD
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This is a new rear guide link with a new balljoint and rubber bushing.
Rein Rear Guide Link - E39, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66
For vehicles with a production date from 12/2001
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Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:392319
Part#: 33326777424
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Includes integrated ball joint and bushing
Complete Front Upper Control Arm Upgrade - Left & Right - E39 525i/52...
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Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:2216
Part#: E396HDARMS
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$ 339.99 USD
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$ 339.99 USD
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The front control arm bushings is the Achilles heel on the E39 models. The original factory bushings are fluid filled and rely on the fluid to absorb vibration and resist deflection. When the fluid is gone the rubber left over cannot match the original bushing's strength. The left over rubber is not stiff enough to resist the movements from the suspension. The result is a lot of vibration and reduced feedback and response from the steering.

Meyle has addressed this issue with bushings that are not fluid-filled. The bushing is made of solid rubber that will last longer than the original bushing and is a bit stiffer than new originals for better response and feel. The lack of play from the solid rubber design will mean sharper steering, restoring much of the car's precision and 'connected' feel.

This is a package of Meyle HD control arms with the HD bushings already pressed in. This makes for an easy swap out-swap in install. These arms replace the existing stock upper control arms - otherwise known as a tension strut or strut support arm. It's the arm with the twist. The BMW part numbers for these arms are 31 12 1 141 717 and 31 12 1 141 718.

Meyle is a German brand in business since 1958 and all of their products are TUV approved and meet or exceed ISO standards. All Meyle HD parts come with a 4-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Features:

  • 4 Year Warranty

  • All metal ball joints are more reliable and longer lasting than stock

  • Bushings are solid rubber rather than fluid filled, providing longevity and handling feel improvements

This item fits the following BMWs:
1997-2003 E39 5 Series BMW 525i, 525iT, 528i, 528iT, 530i sedans and touring wagons
2000-2003 E52 Z8 Z8 - Z8 Alpina

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Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:402129
Part#: 31122341296
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$ 86.44 USD
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This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 86.44 USD
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Over the years, the road takes a serious toll on your suspension. Pot holes, speed bumps, and road hazards all contribute to a sloppy, weak suspension. To give a better feel to your driving experience, change components as they wear to improve safety and ride comfort.

One item to replace is the control arm. After years of service, the non-serviceable ball joints and other components can begin to wear out. Because some components cannot be replaced, the only solution is replacement of the entire arm.

If replacing any part of your front or rear suspension, it is best to either do it in pairs (both left and right sides), or examine parts that are prone to failure. This will provide the most service life out of replacement parts and assure they are all performing properly.

Referred to as a wishbone by BMW.

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Rein Control Arm - Straight Arm - E39
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Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:592212
Part#: 31122341219
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Complete control arm with bushings and ball joint
Febi Front Straight Control Arm - Left - E39
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Febi - Corporate Logo
T#:363766
Part#: 31121141961
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Referred to as a wishbone

OEM Rein Front Right Control Arm - E39 525i 528i 530i
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Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:396732
Part#: 31121094234
Ships in 3 Business Days
Sale - Save 5% $ 68.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 65.54 USD
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Sale - Save 5%
$ 68.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
08-31-2026

$ 65.54 USD
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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. 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. For a street-driven car we advise yearly inspection and a full replacement every 3-4 years. For track-driven cars these should be inspected before every event and replaced every two years.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

This is the OEM Front Right Lower Control Arm for E39 BMW 525i 528i 530i 1997-2003.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1997-2003 E39 5 Series BMW 525i 528i 530i & Wagons

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