BMW Control Arm Replacements & Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

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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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IRP Adjustable Steel Rear Control Arm Pair - E36 E46 Z4
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401372
Part#: IRPCA-ST
In Stock
$ 233.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 233.99 USD
Free Shipping

If you are looking for a wider range of camber adjustability in the rear of you car, the IRP Adjustable rear lower control arm is exactly what you need! Built to be much stronger than stock, these rear control arms feature inner monoball bushings and are built of steel, reducing the weight as well. These are perfect for a lowered car or for a track car that needs a greater level of rear adjustment.

Features:

  • Strong Steel Construction
  • Adjustable
  • Painted Yellow For Corrosion Protection
  • Weight Reduction
  • Monoball Inner Mount

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ic 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999-2006 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi M3
2003-2008 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si Z4 M Roadster M Coupe

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BMW E30 E36 E46 E9X Whiteline Rear Trailing Arm Bushing (RTAB) Kit - ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:558797
Part#: W61923
In Stock at Vendor
$ 77.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Optimize rear suspension geometry with Whiteline suspension bushings. Often overlooked, Whiteline trailing arm bushings offer superior dynamic alignment precision by controlling excessive movement - providing driver reassurance for more predictable handling.

Features:

  • Performance - Whiteline's engineered "Synthetic Elastomer" bushings feature the quality ride of rubber at lower speeds and at higher speeds react when under cornering, accelerating and braking loads, for CHASSIS CONTROL and improved handling.
  • Durable - The advanced synthetic elastomer characteristics ensure superior elasticity, memory and outright durability for all forms of driving applications!
  • Resistant - Whiteline's synthetic elastomer formulation boasts resistance to oil, grease, ozone and weathering
  • Lubricant - Supplied with extreme pressure molybdenum disulphide (LM) based grease (where required) for extended life.
  • Installer Friendly - Designed with the installer in mind by reducing the need of specialized skills, tools and equipment.
  • Black - The neutral (black) appearance favored by restorers and racers.
  • Lifetime Warranty - All Whiteline bushing kits are backed by a lifetime warranty
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Control arm - lower inner rear bushing
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:26538301
Part#: W53518
In Stock
$ 133.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Following meticulous development and material testing focused on strength, durability, geometry retention, and memory while maintaining comfort, WHITELINE has engineered a progressive, long-chain Synthetic Elastomer. This pioneering material merges the advantageous properties of solid bushings with the flexibility of rubber.
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Whiteline Adjustable Rear Camber Bushing Set - E36 E46
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:372857
Part#: W62384
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 118.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

These bushings replace the stock rubber bushings and offer a better driving feel, increased lifespan, and better wheel alignment.

Rubber bushing allow for a lot more movement and are more susceptible to wear and tear from spirited driving and harsh weather conditions. Polyurethane is much more resistant to wear and is stiffer, reducing the total amount of movement that would normally affect the alignment negatively.

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IRP Lock Kit Standard Drift Suspension Kit - E46 Non-M RWD
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401480
Part#: IRPDK46-1
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,209.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,209.99 USD
Free Shipping

Looking to upgrade your front suspension to increase the strength and your steering angle for the track? IRP has you covered with their BMW Lock Kit. This kit includes new control arms that are stronger than stock and have monoball ball joints, new tie rod ends that feature steel monoball ball joints as well, new offset control arm bushings, fully adjustable camber plates, roll center/bump steer correction plates, and all new hardware. This enables this kit to be fully plug and play, giving you a much more adjustable front suspension, and increases the total amount of steering angle up to 65 degrees.

This kit is perfect for those looking to build a drift car and ensure their suspension is ready to take on the challenge.

Kit features:

  • CNC Laser Cut Components
  • Plug & Play - includes all needed hardware
  • Increase to 65 Degree (or more) steering angle
  • Includes Camber Plates
  • Stiffer offset control arm bushings
  • Roll Center and Bump Steer Correction Plates
  • High strength control arms with steel monoball ball joints
  • Increased length steering tie rods with steel monoball ball joints
  • DriftAllstar- & EEDC-Tested
  • Total weight of all components included: 13.5 kg / 29.8 lbs

Fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW All Non-M RWD Submodels

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IRP Lock Kit Standard Drift Suspension Kit - E46 M3
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401482
Part#: IRPDK46M-1
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,209.99 USD
$ 1,209.99 USD

Looking to upgrade your front suspension to increase the strength and your steering angle for the track? IRP has you covered with their BMW Lock Kit. This kit includes new control arms that are stronger than stock and have monoball ball joints, new tie rod ends that feature steel monoball ball joints as well, new offset control arm bushings, fully adjustable camber plates, roll center/bump steer correction plates, and all new hardware. This enables this kit to be fully plug and play, giving you a much more adjustable front suspension, and increases the total amount of steering angle up to 65 degrees.

This kit is perfect for those looking to build a drift car and ensure their suspension is ready to take on the challenge.

Kit features:

  • CNC Laser Cut Components
  • Plug & Play - includes all needed hardware
  • Increase to 65 Degree (or more) steering angle
  • Includes Camber Plates
  • Stiffer offset control arm bushings
  • Roll Center and Bump Steer Correction Plates
  • High strength control arms with steel monoball ball joints
  • Increased length steering tie rods with steel monoball ball joints
  • DriftAllstar- & EEDC-Tested
  • Total weight of all components included: 13.5 kg / 29.8 lbs

Fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW M3

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Whiteline Lower Inner Rear Front Control Arm Bushing - E9x, E46, Z4 ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Whiteline - Corporate Logo
T#:54388459
Part#: W52605
Ships in 2 Business Days
New Item
$ 66.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Deflection at the front lower control arm rear pivot drastically alters dynamic toe and caster alignment under high-load braking and cornering
IRP Lock Kit Pro Drift Suspension Kit - E46
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
IRP - Individual Racing Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:401481
Part#: IRPDK46-2
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,567.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,567.99 USD
Free Shipping

Looking to upgrade your front suspension to increase the strength and your steering angle for the track? IRP has you covered with their BMW Lock Kit. This kit includes new control arms that are stronger than stock, are a chromolon tubular system, and have monoball ball joints, new tie rod ends that feature steel monoball ball joints as well, new offset control arm bushings, fully adjustable camber plates, roll center/bump steer correction plates, and all new hardware. This enables this kit to be fully plug and play, giving you a much more adjustable front suspension, and increases the total amount of steering angle up to 70 degrees.

This kit is perfect for those looking to build a drift car and ensure their suspension is ready to take on the challenge.

*This Pro kit offers reduced weight control arms that help this kit shed 2.9 lbs from the standard kit while still remaining just as strong thanks to their chromolon tubular design.*

Kit features:

  • CNC Laser Cut Components
  • Plug & Play - includes all needed hardware
  • Increase to 70 Degree (or more) steering angle (5 degrees more than standard version)
  • Includes Camber Plates
  • Stiffer offset control arm bushings
  • Roll Center and Bump Steer Correction Plates
  • High Strength chromolon tubular control arms with steel monoball ball joints (2cm wider than standard version)
  • Increased length steering tie rods with steel monoball ball joints
  • DriftAllstar- & EEDC-Tested
  • Total weight of all components included: 12.2kg / 26.9lbs (1.3kg / 2.9lbs lighter that standard version)

Fits the following BMWs:
1999-2006 E46 BMW All RWD Submodels

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