Front Control Arm for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

This E46 front control arm is a direct replacement for the original part and is the OEM Lemforder brand.

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.

We also recommend replacing the bushings when changing the control arms. The bushings are mounted at the back of the control arm and located the arm to the frame rail on the car. The stock bushings are rubber and will wear out sooner than the control arms themselves. With the control arm off the car now is the perfect time to also replace the bushings.

OEM Lemförder is an engineering company that focuses on high-quality, precision manufacturing of critical suspension and steering components. Providing exceptionally high quality parts directly to BMW, as well as 50+ other big name automotive companies, such as Mercedes and Audi, their history of reliability and variety of offered parts makes them one of the biggest names for a go-to OEM parts provider. Lemförder parts place an important emphasis on design, production, and assembly, ensuring maximum reliability. They even coat all parts possible with corrosion protection for extended longevity.

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 item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci
2003-2008 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si

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:
1999-2006 E46 All Non-M

Factory bushings are more than adequate for street driving on the E46 M3. However, once the miles start to pile up, the bushings are meant to be replaced. Common side effects of worn factory FCABs include, but are not limited to the following:

• Steering wheel shutter when brakes are applied
• Wheel (and steering wheel) shimmy
• Mysterious and irregular tire wear
• "Overboosted" steering feel (very light steering)

Replacing with new factory bushings will return the factory feel. These urethane core bushings, however, offer something MORE. These bushings are designed to deliver performance that surpasses the stock E46 M3 bushing, while still allowing them to be used in everyday driving scenarios on public roads.

With the numerous delrin/urethane/hybrid replacement bushings in the market, we wanted to offer bushings that were not only effective, but simple. No clips, no washers, no multiple sleeves, and no "race parts in street cars". They have an aluminum outer sleeve with a replaceable, compliant urethane core that is serviceable and rebuildable. These urethane inserts prevent unwanted control arm deflection, while allowing noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) isolation -- a must on any bushing being used on a street driven car. And because of their compliance they remain very comfortable for daily use. But because they are a heavier-duty design than stock, these eliminate steering shimmy and wander, especially with the addition of big brake upgrades. They maintain BMW's original suspension geometry, and give your M3 a directly "connected" feeling with the front end of the vehicle. Perhaps best of all, these bushings are easy to install and are designed for longevity. Professional installation on suspension components is always recommended.

Installation Instructions

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