BMW Suspension Parts for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

Stock rubber front control arm bushings are designed to allow significant fore/aft movement of the front wheels to help absorb road impacts.  This soft flexible design maximizes daily driving comfort and helps to add the “luxury” feeling to your BMW, but it is far from ideal for the performance or racing enthusiast that is looking for optimal handling and braking performance.  Being a bonded rubber bushing that is constantly twisting and deflecting when in use, stock rubber bushings really take a beating and often fail prematurely, resulting in further degraded handling, braking shimmy or even clunking felt under your feet.

In the past, the only upgrade option to improve handling of your E46 M3 was to replace the stock rubber with poly bushings, or delrin bushings that wear prematurely and are not serviceable or rebuild-able.  While well-designed poly bushings can vastly improve handling characteristics and offer good road feel with minimal increase to NVH, they are still a compromise when it comes to ultimate handling and braking performance.

Introducing the new Turner Front Control Arm Spherical Bearings!  The Turner engineering team set out to design a no-compromise solution that requires no modification and offers instantaneous cornering and braking response.  Our control arm bearings utilize a unique grease-able spherical bearing that is both serviceable and replaceable, with integrated dust seals to help keep dirt and moisture out.  This bearing offers considerable improvement in both precision and durability compared to other unsealed poly and delrin bushing inserts previously available, which can wear prematurely due to contamination.  The bearing assembly utilizes the highest quality materials, precision machining quality, and components to ensure a perfect fit and longest lasting component life possible.

The result is the ultimate in terms of low friction, no binding, and no unwanted deflection, as well as exceptional steering precision, turn-in response, and direct braking feedback with minimal increase in NVH.  These spherical bearings are a must have for any track car, but are also completely street-able and are a great upgrade for any enthusiast that enjoys spirited driving.

Features:

Bearing

• Extremely robust, greaseable, double lip sealed spherical bearing (Rated for 20,000lbf Dynamic, 90,000lbf Static). 

Housing

• 6061-T6, anodized housing with needle grease zerk for easy maintenance. 
• In house designed knurled OD to provide the perfect fit for the wide range of housing diameters among brands. 

Bearing Insert Arm adapter

• Precision CNC machined Delrin, providing a tight fit between the bearing and the control arm. 

Performance

• Instant, crisp steering and braking response.
• Easy to maintain, long lasting performance. 
• Improved road feel without undesirable NVH.

Grease before installation and with each oil service with high quality Moly grease for maximum service life.  Need a Grease tool?

Click here for installation instructions.

Rear Axle Carrier Panel (RACP) failure is a well-documented issue that plagues all BMW E46 models. Due to thin sheet metal mounting, the forces applied during cornering, acceleration, and braking create stress fractures in the carrier panel, resulting in large cracks or breaks that risk the structural integrity of your chassis. To fix this issue, many enthusiasts opt to install weld-in reinforcement plates on the underside of the RACP. While this remedies the formation of additional stress cracks and adds rigidity to failure-prone areas, it does not prevent the entire carrier panel from flexing during high-performance driving.

Our all-new Rear Subframe Reinforcement Brace is engineered to add structure to the E46's rear chassis under high-stress conditions, eliminating the common weak points in the RACP while providing the confidence you need for performance driving. Don't let chassis flex limit your car’s potential—upgrade your E46 with the Turner Motorsport Rear Subframe Reinforcement Brace today!

How It Works:

During performance driving, the Rear Axle Carrier Panel (RACP) must react the forces of longitudinal and lateral accelerations. During forward acceleration, the differential transmits torque through the subframe to the RACP, forcing the rearmost subframe mounting points downward. This downward movement flexes the carrier panel, reducing its ability to handle torque efficiently. By linking the rearmost subframe mounting points to the rear shock towers, downward flex is restricted, resulting in improved torque transfer and stability. Alternatively, high-grip cornering generates lateral acceleration (side-to-side) forces across the RACP. Similar to how a rear strut brace functions, connecting the rear shock towers helps to counteract these forces. Adding the subframe to this connection further reduces lateral loads, eliminating side-to-side flex and enhancing overall stability.

Features & Design:

Four-Point Triangulated Structure: Links the rearmost subframe mounting locations to both rear strut towers for superior load distribution. Enhanced Stability: Reduces lateral and longitudinal RACP flex during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Improved Torque Transfer: Minimizes downward flex of the RACP, ensuring efficient power delivery for enhanced driveability. High-Performance Durability: Heavy-duty steel tube construction ensures lasting support during spirited driving, track use, and for vehicles with increased power output. Blue Powdercoat Finish: Offers fantastic corrosion resistance, protection from scuffs and scratches, and a stylish appearance that is sure to complement your performance-centric E46. Underside Reinforcement Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly alongside our underside RACP reinforcement plates (TDR4675412, T#91). Kit Includes:

Rear Subframe Brace Sedan Subframe Brace Spacers Extended-Length Drill Bit (1/4", 12" Overall Length) High-Speed Drill Bit (12.5mm, 152mm Overall Length) Drill Bit Guide Extended Subframe Bolts Zinc-Plated Steel Hex Nut (2) Installation & Support:

Need installation tips? Our team has assembled a guided start-to-finish installation tutorial, including detailed instructions on drilling and cutting your trunk floor panel for perfect fitment. Click HERE for Installation Instructions

These camber plates are perfect for the enthusiast owner who wants a high quality design with a motorsports background. Knowing a full race kit on the street is not often the best option, we took the best features from the Race Camber Plates and incorporated them into a fresh Street design -

• preserves the correct E46 M3 geometry
• separate sliding camber and caster adjustments
• maximum shock travel
• light weight
• durable materials
• large surface area
• ease of use

The Turner E46 M3 Street Camber Plates are the most advanced design on the market. These are designed specifically for the E46 M3 - no shortcuts or cookie-cutter components. We started with a fresh design to make these very user friendly and easy to install and set up. The E46 M3 front suspension has unique geometry and the strut is mounted at an angle that can put significant side loading on the strut shaft if it's not located properly. The location and angles for the main bearing were carefully engineered to allow the proper motion ratio and strut angles during adjustment. This greatly reduces bending forces on the strut itself which improves performance and longevity. By designing for one chassis we're able to focus on what works best in that application - proper fitment and operation without unnecessary adapters, easy-to-use camber and caster adjustments, and an intelligent modular design.

For street use we added a pliable urethane bushing to absorb vibration and a special base design that works with the factory radial bearing and spring perch. The radial bearing allows the spring to rotate instead of twisting and binding. By re-using the factory radial bearing we can keep the assembled stack height lower for maximized shock travel. It's also a commonly-available item that you can get from any BMW dealer at a low price. All of the things that make it work well in the factory application carry over to our design. You can use our camber plates with a stock sized spring, 60mm, or 2.5" springs. Use your stock spring perch/bearing with stock-sized springs. The 60mm and 2.5" upper spring perches are sold separately. The beauty of our design is that you can use the factory radial bearing with any of these springs.

Another important feature of the Turner Camber Plates is the size of the upper plate. Our plates have a very large surface area to better spread strut forces through the strut tower. A smaller upper plate, like those found on competitor's kits, will localize strut forces and contribute to strut tower deformation ('strut tower mushrooming'). This is a very important feature especially as these cars get older and spend more time on the track. Deformed strut towers are a serious performance and safety concern and our camber plates are properly designed to handle the loads. The factory strut reinforcement plates are not required with our camber plates (but you can use them if you want to).

Since this design is specific to the E46 M3, we can build it with the bare minimum of adapters and extra hardware. This not only cuts down on confusion but makes it easier to assemble and operate. We use the correct-sized bearing for the 16mm strut shaft; no sleeves or bearing adapters required. The original tapered lower mount support and a small stainless steel spacer from our kit are all that's required to install. We have used our camber plates with most of the major strut manufacturers on the market - stock Sachs/Boge, Bilstein, Koni, H&R, ST, and KW. Our camber plates work with any strut that is designed to accept the factory strut mount.

Click here for installation instructions.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3

One of the tricks for getting your BMW to handle better is to add negative camber to the front wheels. This will put more of the tire's width in contact with the ground during cornering. With more rubber there is more grip. BMWs typically have less camber in the front to create understeer. But if you're running a stock setup on the track or autocross you are giving up speed and time as the front tires run out of grip sooner than they should.

These E46 fixed camber plates are designed from knowledge gained from our highly successful racing campaigns with the E46 in the Speed World Challenge series. These plates are offset for the best camber and caster combination for racing purposes when using the stock-diameter sized springs. Camber increases to between -2.5° to -3.0°, depending on each individual car. While ride height is increased by 1/4", the benefit of these plates far outweighs the minor ride height increase. The rate of camber change is virtually unaffected throughout the range of suspension travel, reducing the need for other geometry correction. Material has also been added to increase surface contact area therefore reducing the strut tower deformation and increasing the strength of the strut towers. Fixed mount camber plates are legal in many racing and autocross classes. These are the perfect camber solution when adjustable plates are not allowed in your class. These are a simple bolt on part for all E46 except the xi and M3 models.

Instructions for Turner E46 Front Fixed Camber Plates

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci

Our experience with spherical front control arm�ball joints go back to those we designed and used in our IMSA E90 328i and E92 M3 racecars (GS class Champions in 2011).��We wanted to offer e30, e36, and e46 owners similar levels of handling precision and control for the track and street, but weren�t satisfied with the other options out there.� Instead of a Delrin bushing or unsealed spherical bearing alone, we selected an oversized sealed greaseable spherical monoball to offer unparalleled durability and precision, but designed a Delrin adapter sleeve to help isolate the added noise, vibration, and harshness that a full solid monoball bearing will have.�While race-ready,�our hybrid Delrin/monoball control arm bearings are more at home on the street than other kits that are advertised as��race-only� bearings. We did extensive street, autocross, and track testing to ensure the spherical bearing used in this bushing design excelled in each setting.

The stock rubber bushings, even�those found in the M3,�allow significant fore/aft movement of the front wheels to help absorb road impacts, especially when being pushed hard. �This soft flexible design maximizes daily driving comfort, but also allows considerable alignment change.� This unwanted deflection�stands between you and a crisp, confidence-inspiring driving experience. �The advantage of a monoball bearing is that it will not deflect under load, eliminating all unwanted deflection while still allowing�complete freedom of movement�in the desired angles. What you get is superior steering precision with better handling from more consistent alignment�and direct braking feedback, with exceptional service life.� Thanks to the�Delrin insert and double lip seals, there's none of the extra noise or reduced service life�often�found on�other�spherical bearings.

In short, if you're seeking front control arm bushings that offer precise, predictable handling, crisper braking feel, with a long service life free from noise - look no further. We have you covered.

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Watch to learn more about Turner Monoball Bushings

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Features:

Bearing housing

• Manufactured using 6061-T6 blue anodized aluminum with a pre-installed grease fitting and grease distribution channels making this a serviceable design
• Knurling allows for a wide variance in lollipop dimension, although this particular SKU comes pre-installed, so you won't need to worry about that.�Want to install your own? Click here.�

Bearing

• A high quality greaseable double lip sealed bearing with Delrin� inserts. Delrin� was chosen due to durability�under pressure, while still soft�enough to create a perfect play-free fitment on the control arm.
• Replaceable for infinite service life - no need to replace the entire mount in the event a bearing happens to fail.

Includes new hardware. Grease before installation and with each oil service with high quality Moly grease for maximum service life.�Need a grease fitting tool?

Installation is relatively easy - see our instructions here.�

This item fits the following BMWs:

1999-2006�E46 BMW�323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci�
2003-2008�Z4 BMW�Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si�

Differential bushings are responsible for keeping the differential in solid alignment while dampening drivetrain vibration. While OE rubber bushings are fine when they are new from the factory, aged and worn out rubber bushings create a multitude of issues that can range from annoying to dangerous. As a factory bushing ages, it begins to harden and become brittle. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow for movement at the differential mounting point. At this point, the differential is free to shift under load causing a noticeable clunking noise under acceleration and deceleration and massively increasing the stress on the driveshaft and axles. Manual transmissions suffer the worst from this as it can make shifting difficult since the differential will shift when the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

By replacing these bushings with full polyurethane, the movement is eliminated since the mounting point is supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. This means less stress on the driveshaft and axles and greater longevity of supporting components. 

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 acceleration response, more direct shifting feel and overall improved drivetrain composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane 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:
2001 - 2006 E46 M3

Lowering your BMW does wonders for appearance and handling, but it also changes suspension geometry in ways that can hurt performance. As ride height changes, angles between the sway bar, control arms, and axles shift, which can cause binding, poor fitment, and added stress on the factory fixed-length end links. This is especially noticeable on cars equipped with coilover suspension, where slight height differences side to side can preload the sway bar and lead to inconsistent handling.

Our team of dedicated BMW enthusiasts set out to address this common issue with Adjustable Rear Sway Bar End Links. Designed with performance in mind, they offer a fully adjustable range from 100mm to 120mm, helping eliminate preload, restore proper suspension alignment, and improve overall sway bar function. Constructed from high-quality billet aluminum, these end links are built to outlast the factory cast components and are finished with a black anodized coating for excellent corrosion resistance. Laser-etched wrench size markings allow for quick, easy adjustments while installed on the vehicle. Unlike the factory design, these end links use spherical rod ends at the control arm for increased responsiveness and a more direct handling feel. These end links feature a bolt-through bushing design, which is compatible with most adjustable aftermarket sway bars. Mounting hardware is included for easy installation.

Features & Benefits:

Adjustable from 100mm to 120mm Strong 6061-T6 billet aluminum construction Black anodized finish resists corrosion Spherical rod ends improve response and handling feel Polyurethane bushing with knurled bore helps retain grease Fits most aftermarket sway bars with bolt-through attachment Laser-etched markings for quick and easy adjustments

This carbon fiber strut brace uses a flat-oval design with a hinge-less mounting system that makes this one of the best strut braces on the market (especially at the price!). Cornering forces can put stress on the chassis, especially when used with stickier tires and stiffer suspensions.Strut braces help to reduce chassis flex by tying the two strut towers together. This design is stronger than most strut braces that use a hinge on the end that allows additonal flex. This design has fixed end mounts that the strut bar is bolted to. The slim oval tube is 100% carbon fiber for excellent strength and rigidty. The entire assembly is less than 5lbs and installs in minutes.

Fitment note: the end plates on this brace are closed. Some aftermarket front struts have an extra tall strut pin that will interfere with this brace.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi

Here at Turner we understand the importance of an upgrade that will get the results you need on the track and still be tolerable on the drive around town. When it comes to control arms on the track, making them as stiff as you can (usually using solid mounts) is the best way to increase your driving precision by eliminating the deflection of rubber. The next best thing to create a balance would be to stiffen up the control arm with polyurethane, giving you the option of a more stock like feel with 80a or closer to the solid feel with 95a durometers. These poly bushings will give your control arms a direct connection between your suspension and the body of the car eliminating the slop felt under take-off and braking so you feel more in control of your vehicle. 

Already pressed into bracket so you can get right to the install.

*Featuring a delrin sleeve to eliminate heat deformation and premature failure.

This item fits the following BMWs that use a centered-style bushing: 

2001-2006 E46 BMW M3 

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 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:
2001 - 2006 E46