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

Clear BMW chassis

Please ensure your correct model is selected

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.

Sub-Categories

Sort By:
Meyle HD Rubber Front Control Arm Bushings (FCAB) - E46, Z4 (not M Models) (Pair)
Meyle HD Rubber Front Control Arm Bushings (FCAB) - E46, Z4 (not M Mo...
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:1870
Part#: 31126757623MY
In Stock
$ 134.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-07-2026

$ 98.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 98.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
These front control arm bushings are the same design as the original pieces but are 20% stiffer in resistance to give sharper steering and better response. These are the larger 66mm bushings with the housings as used on the E46 325i, 330i, and Z4 and an upgrade for the E46 323i and 328i.

If you have felt that the original bushings were too soft or the car lacked response then these HD bushings will be a great upgrade for you. The stiffer rubber allows less deflection, making the suspension react faster. You will immediately notice that the car feels more direct and 'connected' and the steering keeps up with you especially during hard cornering. For maximum effect, we also recommend the Meyle HD or BMW 'Sport' control arms as an additional upgrade. Meyle HD parts have a 4-year warranty.

These bushings come pre-pressed into their aluminum brackets. No need to press out old and press in new bushings! Just a simple swap! Price is for the pair.

Alternate BMW part number 31126783376.
This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci
2003-2008 Z4 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si
Show More Show Less
Meyle Heavy Duty Front Control Arm - Right - E46, Z4
Meyle Heavy Duty Front Control Arm - Right - E46, Z4
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:3092
Part#: 31126758520MY
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 221.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-04-2026

$ 206.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 206.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
One common weak point in the E46 3-series model range is in the mounting and ball joints of the suspension. The front suspension ball joints in particular are prone to wearing out quite quickly thanks to a soft material, leaving you in a potentially dangerous situation. At best, worn ball joints and bushings will give you poor steering feedback and clunking noises. However, loose or worn ball joints will have excessive play which will reduce the effectiveness of the steering and suspension. In extreme cases, the ball joint has been known to pop free of the control arm, resulting in total steering loss. Meyle has addressed this problem with metal ball joints, similar to those used on the E46 ZHP. The metal in the HD joint will not wear or fatigue nearly as fast as the standard ball joints. The lifespan is greatly extended. The lack of play will mean sharper steering, restoring much of the car's precision and fun-to-drive character. Meyle is a German brand in business since 1958 and all of their products are TUV approved and meet or exceed ISO standards.
Show More Show Less
Meyle Heavy Duty Front Control Arm - Left - E46, Z4
Meyle Heavy Duty Front Control Arm - Left - E46, Z4
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:3091
Part#: 31126758519MY
In Stock
$ 231.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-01-2026

$ 170.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 170.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
One common weak point in the E46 3-series model range is in the mounting and ball joints of the suspension. The front suspension ball joints in particular are prone to wearing out quite quickly thanks to a soft material, leaving you in a potentially dangerous situation. At best, worn ball joints and bushings will give you poor steering feedback and clunking noises. However, loose or worn ball joints will have excessive play which will reduce the effectiveness of the steering and suspension. In extreme cases, the ball joint has been known to pop free of the control arm, resulting in total steering loss. Meyle has addressed this problem with metal ball joints, similar to those used on the E46 ZHP. The metal in the HD joint will not wear or fatigue nearly as fast as the standard ball joints. The lifespan is greatly extended. The lack of play will mean sharper steering, restoring much of the car's precision and fun-to-drive character. Meyle is a German brand in business since 1958 and all of their products are TUV approved and meet or exceed ISO standards.
Show More Show Less
BMW E46 Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 2
BMW E46 Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 2
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:368816
Part#: E463112-2
Back Ordered
$ 967.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-01-2026

$ 833.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 833.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List

BMW E46 Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 2 is designed to rejuvenate and improve the suspension of your BMW E46, providing better-than-new performance with select upgraded components. This comprehensive suspension kit addresses common issues such as loose steering, excessive vibration during braking, and noises like squeaking or grinding when turning at low speeds. It not only fixes these symptoms but also enhances suspension longevity and handling precision.

  • Rejuvenates worn-out suspension for better-than-new performance
  • Improves steering precision and reduces vibration
  • Enhances durability and extends suspension lifespan
  • Includes strut reinforcement plates to prevent strut tower deformation and cracking
  • Comprehensive kit with upgraded components for superior performance

Kit Contents:

  • 2 front control arms
  • 2 control arm bushings with brackets
  • 2 sway bar end links
  • 2 tie rod assemblies
  • 2 strut mounts
  • 2 strut mount reinforcement plates

Upgrade your BMW E46’s suspension with this premium refresh kit and enjoy enhanced handling and driving comfort.

Show More Show Less
Meyle HD Front Control Arm Kit - E46 RWD Z4
Meyle HD Front Control Arm Kit - E46 RWD Z4
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:4934906
Part#: 3160500000/HD
In Stock
$ 434.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 434.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
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. Includes all installation hardware.
Show More Show Less
Heavy Duty Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 1 - E46 & Z4
Heavy Duty Front Suspension Refresh Kit - Level 1 - E46 & Z4 ...
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:368815
Part#: E463112-1
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 587.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-01-2026

$ 476.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List
$ 476.99 USD
Free Shipping
Add to Wish List

Turner Motorsport Suspension Refresh Kit

Upgrade your vehicle's suspension with Turner Motorsport's premium refresh kit. Eliminate loose steering, shaking during braking, and unnerving sounds when turning at low speeds. This comprehensive kit not only addresses these issues but also enhances overall performance, surpassing stock quality and extending your suspension's lifespan.

Key Features:

  • 2 front control arms featuring replaceable all-metal ball joints for extended durability.
  • 2 control arm bushings with brackets made of solid rubber for improved road feel, handling, and longevity.

Check out the detailed contents of the kit below for more information.

Show More Show Less

Select Vehicle

BMW Mini
Clear Vehicle

Purpose

Category

Brand

Price

$
$

Shipping