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

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 street bushings are ideal for street driven vehicles and those that see occasional autocross or track time. Need bushings for a dedicated track car? 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. 

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

This package covers the front control arms and bushings on the 2001-2005 E46 325Xi and 330Xi. These cars use a unique front suspension but the principle design and downside, is the same as almost all of the BMW 3-series since 1984. The inner and outer ball joints see a lot of wear as they are constantly in motion. With the heavy front end of the 4WD Xi, these components need frequent inspection and replacement. When the bushings and ball joints fail, the front end can shimmy and feel loose through the steering wheel. Excess play in the rubber bushings can cause alignment problems and sloppy steering. There is usually a knocking or clunking sound to further annoy you. We've assembled thispackage to replace everything on both front control arms and restore your BMW's exceptional driving dynamics. All parts are OEM Boge, Lemforder, or Original BMW to maintain the highest quality standard.

This kit includes the following parts:

• LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM, part# 31126758533 / 31 12 6 758 533
• RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM, part# 31126758534 / 31 12 6 758 534
• CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS (pair), part# 31129063163 / 31 12 9 063 163
• LEFT FRONT INNER BALL JOINT, part# 31126756695 / 31 12 6 756 695
• RIGHT FRONT INNER BALL JOINT, part# 31126756696 / 31 12 6 756 696

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 2 kit replaces:

Control Arm Bushings
Trailing Arm Bushings
Sway Bar End Links
Rear Shock Mounts & Reinforcement Plates
Subframe Bushings
RTAB Limiters
Diff Bushings
Hardware

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 2 kit replaces:

Control Arm Bushings
Trailing Arm Bushings
Sway Bar End Links
Rear Shock Mounts & Reinforcement Plates
Subframe Bushings
RTAB Limiters
Diff Bushings
Hardware