Front Control Arm

BMW's are notorious for their failure-prone control arm bushings. The pliable rubber bushings, present even in M performance models, allow substantial movement of the front wheels to enhance everyday driving comfort. However, they also permit significant alignment changes, leading to a disconnected and numb road feel that detracts from a confidence-inspiring driving encounter. Over time, the fluid-filled rubber bushings succumb to fatigue and cracking due to continual deflection and ozone degradation, ultimately resulting in the leakage of damping fluid and complete failure.

For the enthusiast looking for superior performance and longevity with a crisp, confidence-inspiring driving experience, our sealed ball joint monoballs are the best solution available! Our experience with spherical 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).

The bearing housing is precision CNC machined from 6061-T6 anodized aluminum and features a knurled OD to ensure a perfect press fit, and utilize a sealed OEM BMW ball joint for exceptional quality and durability, making them completely at home on both the street and track with no compromise. We have done extensive street, autocross, and track testing to ensure the ball joint used in this bushing design excels in each setting. The advantage of a sealed ball joint is that it eliminates all unwanted deflection while still allowing complete bind-free movement throughout suspension travel, resulting in exceptional control of wheel alignment. What you get is superior steering precision, turn-in response, direct braking feedback, and better handling.

In short, if you're seeking the ultimate in precise, predictable handling and control, with crisp braking response and a long service life that’s equally at home on the street or track - look no further. We have you covered.

Since BMW recommends the control arms be replaced for every other bushing change, we prefer to sell these as a pre-assembled set, and are available (T599476) if you would prefer that option.

Watch to learn more about Turner Monoball Bushings

Design:

OEM sealed, greased ball joint for exceptional durability and service life, even in the most severe operating conditions
6061-T6 anodized housing for excellent corrosion resistance
Turner designed knurled OD to provide the perfect fit for the wide range of thrust arm bore
CNC machined 304ss bearing inserts, providing a precision fit between the ball joint and the subframe
Performance Advantages:

Immediate, precise steering and breaking feedback
Long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance requirements
Enhanced road feedback minus any unnecessary noise, vibration, harshness

The Powerflex Front Control Arm Rear Bushing (Caster Offset) for the BMW F48, F49 X1, and F39 X2 is a premium suspension upgrade designed to improve handling, steering feel, and suspension durability. These bushings replace the factory-installed rubber bushings, which are prone to wear and deflection over time, with high-quality polyurethane bushings that deliver enhanced performance and longevity.

Key Features:

1. Caster Offset Design:

   • The bushing features a caster offset, meaning it slightly adjusts the position of the control arm to increase the vehicle’s caster angle. This improved geometry enhances the car's straight-line stability and helps maintain better steering feel during cornering. The result is sharper turn-in, better directional control, and a more responsive overall driving experience.

2. Superior Material – Polyurethane:

   • Powerflex uses high-performance polyurethane, which is much more durable than standard rubber bushings. Polyurethane bushings resist degradation from oil, road grime, and temperature extremes, making them ideal for both daily driving and high-performance applications.
   • Benefits of Polyurethane:
     • Reduced Flex and Deflection: Offers a firmer connection between the control arm and chassis, reducing unwanted movement in the suspension and improving steering accuracy.
     • Extended Lifespan: Compared to the stock rubber bushings, these will last significantly longer, making them a solid investment for long-term performance and reliability.
     • Improved Handling: The reduced flex and firmer construction mean that the suspension responds more precisely to driver inputs, improving overall handling and cornering stability.

3. Applications:

   • BMW X1 (F48, F49): This model is BMW’s compact luxury crossover SUV. The Powerflex bushings provide better handling, making the X1 more responsive and stable, especially at higher speeds or during spirited driving.
   • BMW X2 (F39): Known for its sportier, coupe-like stance, the X2 benefits from the improved geometry and stiffer bushing, resulting in even sharper steering and enhanced cornering ability, further emphasizing its sport-focused character.

4. Improved Caster Angle:

   • The increased caster angle results in a more self-centering steering feel, providing better directional stability at high speeds, and enhancing control during cornering. This is especially beneficial for drivers who seek a more engaging driving experience or who use their BMW for spirited driving or track days.

5. Performance and Practicality:

   • These bushings aren’t just for performance enthusiasts. Even for daily driving, they offer improvements in steering feedback and stability. The added durability ensures that your suspension components last longer, making it a worthwhile upgrade even for those who don’t push their cars to the limit.

6. Professional Installation Recommended:

   • Installing these bushings requires removing the control arms and pressing out the old bushings. Since the caster offset alters the suspension geometry, a professional alignment is also recommended post-installation to ensure optimal performance.

Control arms begin to wear over time, leading to sloppy control of your vehicle. Anything from knocking, steering vibration, or even loss of vehicle control could occur. An OEM replacement from Lemförder is the perfect option to restore control and suspension quality.

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!