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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Genuine BMW Front Straight Control Arm - Right - E39 540i M5 ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:211534
Part#: 31122339998
Ships in 4 Business Days
3% off MSRP $ 271.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 262.99 USD
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3% off MSRP
$ 271.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 262.99 USD
Free Shipping


Genuine BMW Repair Kit, Wishbone, Right - Value Line
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E39 M5,E39

Febi Ball Joint - E38, E39, E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66 ...
Two required per vehicle, one per side.
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Febi - Corporate Logo
T#:382598
Part#: 33326767748
Back Ordered
$ 52.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-08-2026

$ 26.99 USD
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$ 26.99 USD
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Pressed into rear wheel carrier
Meyle Heavy Duty Front Upper Control Arm - Right - E39 525i 528i 530i...
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Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:1866
Part#: 31121141718MY
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 134.99 USD
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$ 134.99 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 control arm comes with the Meyle 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.

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 525i Wagon 528i 528i Wagon 530i 530i Wagon
2000-2003 E52 Z8 Convertible BMW Z8 Z8 Alpina

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Front Straight Control Arm - Left
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:376675
Part#: 31121141961
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 80.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Brand: Meyle 

 

This is the Front Left Lower Control Arm for BMW E39 540i 540i Wagon & M5. The lower control arms include the ball joint and bushing.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1997-2003 E39 5 Series BMW 540i, 540i Wagon, M5

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Meyle Heavy Duty Front Upper Control Arm Bushing Set - E39 540i/M5, E...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
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Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:1537
Part#: 31120006482MY
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 39.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
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. 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.

This bushing replaces the one pressed into the upper control arm - 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 1 092 609 and 31 12 1 092 610.

These front control arm bushings fit the following BMWs:
1997-2003 E39 5 series 540i, 540iT (sedans and touring wagon)
2000-2003 E39 M5 sedan
1995-2001 E38 7 series 740i, 740iL
1995-2001 E38 7 series 750i, 750iL
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Meyle Heavy Duty Front Upper Control Arm Bushing Pair - E39 525i/528i...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:2265
Part#: 31129068753MY
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 40.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
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. 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.

This bushing replaces the one pressed into the upper control arm - 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.

We can also supply the new control arms with the Meyle HD bushings. We offer new Meyle arms with HD metal ball joints and the HD bushings already pressed in. And we also offer the OEM Lemforder brand with standard ball joints and the Meyle HD bushings pressed in. Choose from the menu below.

Applications
1997-2003 E39 525i, 525iT, 528i, 528iT, 530i sedans and touring wagons
 
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Meyle Heavy Duty Front Upper Control Arm - Left - E39 525i 528i 530i ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:2667
Part#: 31121141717MY
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 126.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 126.99 USD
Free Shipping

 

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 control arm comes with the Meyle 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.

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 525i Wagon 528i 528i Wagon 530i 530i Wagon
2000-2003 E52 Z8 Convertible BMW Z8 Z8 Alpina

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Meyle HD Front Control Arm Kit - E39
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:4934910
Part#: 3160500103/HD
Ships on Nov 2, 2026
$ 492.99 USD
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$ 492.99 USD
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Improved design for longer service life: MEYLE-HD parts deliver enhanced durability. No risk of leakage: MEYLE-HD full-rubber bushing with, optimized rubber shape for a significantly longer lifetime. Compared to OE, MEYLE-HD is, technically improved with reinforced inner parts, using, higher quality materials or optimized design solution with a 4-year warranty on all MEYLE-HD parts., Engineered and quality approved in Germany. Kit includes: Left and right upper control arms with HD bushings Left and right lower control arms with HD ball joints Left and right sway bar end links with HD ball joints Includes all mounting hardware Comes with new HD suspension components for OE part # 31121092023 31121092024 31121093449 31121093450 31121094233 31121094234 31121141717 31121141718 31122341296 31129069568
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Turner Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 1 - E39 525/528/530i ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:582910
Part#: T31129068753KT1
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
Sale - Save 26% $ 402.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
02-27-2026

$ 297.19 USD
Free Shipping
Sale - Save 26%
$ 402.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
02-27-2026

$ 297.19 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:

Front Control Arms
Control Arm Bushings

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Front Straight Control Arm - Right
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:376678
Part#: 31121141962
Ships on Nov 18, 2026
$ 86.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
This is the Front Right Lower Control Arm for BMW E39 540i 540i Wagon and M5.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1997-2003  E39 5 Series  BMW 540i, 540i Wagon, M5
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BMW Front Lower Tie Bar To Chassis Bushing Powerflex
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:33879986
Part#: PFF5501X2
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 95.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 95.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
The Powerflex Street Front Lower Tie Bar to Chassis Bushing for BMW E39 540 and M5 (1996-2004) is a performance-oriented upgrade designed to replace the factory rubber bushings with more durable polyurethane. Part of Powerflex's Street series, these bushings offer an excellent blend of enhanced performance and daily driving comfort. Product Features: Application: Fits BMW E39 540i and M5 models from 1996 to 2004. Material: High-grade polyurethane that provides improved stiffness and durability over OEM rubber bushings, resisting wear and deformation. Enhanced Performance: Reduces unwanted flex in the front lower tie bar, resulting in better alignment stability, more precise handling, and improved steering feedback. Comfort-Oriented Design: Street-focused formulation offers performance enhancements without compromising ride quality, making it ideal for daily driving and spirited weekend drives. Longevity: Resistant to road contaminants like oil, dirt, and heat, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to stock bushings. Direct Replacement: Easy installation with no need for modifications, designed as a direct replacement for OEM bushings. These bushings are perfect for BMW enthusiasts looking to improve handling, steering precision, and suspension performance while maintaining a comfortable ride for everyday use.
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Race Polyurethane Front Control Arm/ thrust arm Bushings - E39, E52 ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:376452
Part#: PFF5-510BX2
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 104.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 104.99 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:
1998 - 2004 E39 Touring 525i 528i 540i
1996 - 2004 E39 Sedan 525i 528i 530i 540i 
2000 - 2004 E52 Z8 Roadster

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