[LimeMike]

So I need to change my control arm bushings. Anyone know if theres anther option besides OEM? If so, where can I get them and how difficult is it to change them? I know nothing about the whole process but thought I'd take a stab at it at least before taking it to B$M$W. Also what price range ami looking at to get it done at another shop. Thanks in advance for the help guys

[TigOn.]

You could just get the 2 front control arm bushings upgraded ones from HD. They are here on the vendor site, they run about $200 total for the set, or you can get the M3 front control arm bushings retrofit with the lower arms kit from Tisher for about $520

I whent with the Tisher kit, it wil add a bit negative camber to your set up and make steering more precise.

Go with the Tisher kit, you will not regret it.

It should be a two hr job or so.

[NBK]

whiteline if they make them for our cars. if not, OEM.

[NBK]

you can have any shop press them in for you if you take the arms out. not too hard.

[monkey_wrench]

I've had mine done by an Indy shop, I supplied new arms with M3 bushings, they charged me $175 to change them out, and then the alignment.

R&R isn't that hard, but they have to be torqued a certain way, at a 90 degree angle, in a certain order.
90 degrees is achieved by the car sitting on the ground, which made it impossible for me to get in there without a lift, as I'm lowered.

I got one from Tischer as well, best price on oem I could find.

[mlifxs]

I recently did the Meyle HD tension struts (these are the "upper control arms". The bushings are stronger than OEM. Bought them from fcpeuro.com and you should see them there and elsewhere for $180-200. The cost is a little more than new bushings, but you get new ball joints in the process.

I'm a complete noob DIYer. Never had a car on jack stands ever until this project. Took me about 2 hours to do, would probably take an hour if I had to do it again, less time for a pro.

OP if you go with this and need any other DIY color, let me know.

[Viper3812]

http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/B...rflex_E90.html

[Motastic]

its almost cheaper to just replace the arms vs just the bushings. I just recently as in the dilemma and jsut replaced them with the Meyle. Love the car and how it handles now

[mlifxs]

from every thing I've read on this blog, the other recommendation of M3 tension struts and wishbones is a better option, IF you are looking to improve "how your car handles", compared to simply solving your "need new bushings" issue.

the M3 setup is much more expensive and you will almost "have to" have an alignment, whereas simply doing the bushings or tension struts with OEM or OEM replacement, you "might need" an alignment.

overall, the Meyle setup adds more turn-in and responsiveness at a pretty reasonable cost, same or a few dollars more than OEM or even just bushings. M3 folks rave about the handling improvement in that setup, but costs $$$$.

[LimeMike]

Thanks for the input guys. I think im gonna go with the Meyle setup. The search begins... NOW!

[jmlekofl]

Ive got a set from Fields in my garage, bought them, then indy mech talked me into replacing the whole arm assembly... These are for a 330i e90, let me know if you need em!

[LimeMike]

Thanks but I went with the Meyle bushings put them on and the car is back to new. Also did spark plug change in about 30-45 mins. Got around taking off all the micro filter stuff. I'll post pics of the handy tools I used.