BMW E90 Control Arm Replacement & Upgrade DIY (BMW M3 Control Arm Upgrade - RWD E90, E91, E92 & E93)

[@FR240SX]

The smile after he said "deez nuts" lmao

[@Armada8589]

Best tutorial ever 👌👌 perfect delivery

[@saganworshipper6062]

What's the best option for xDrive owners? Can you still do the M3 control arm swap on just the rear or do those not fit on xDrive cars? I forget which but heard that either the front or the rear do actually fit but only one not the other. Think they said the rears work. Is that not true? Are there any other options to upgrade control arms and other suspension components like tie rods and end links etc. for xDrive cars or are we forever stuck with always replacing everything with OE parts?

[@djbobbyjay]

I know the rear ones work. The front ones don't because the front suspension is different. The rear is identical.

[@michaelold4173]

I just finished installing this upgrade on my 2008 128i Convertible (E88). I was very pleased with the end result. However, I had a bad experience with the M12 nut on the driver’s side thrust arm. When installing the nut on the ball joint stud, it bound up within about 1/16” before fully seating (and no, it was not cross-threaded). At that point I was unable to move the nut in either direction, and I eventually broke the T40 Torx bit. Long story short, I was able to remove the damaged thrust arm, and AFTER A SIMILAR SITUATION happened on the replacement, I did not try to force the nut; rather, I re-used one of the original BMW M12 nuts with no problem. So, the lesson is that if the nut begins to show unnatural resistance when spinning it down, STOP, and back it out before it becomes hopelessly bound to the ball joint stud. Retain old M12 nuts for possible use as backups.

[@TheShakir98]

Mine started to get hard too but I pushed it and it successfully got tightened.

[@Paul37Ontario]

Would love to see a e90 rear end refresh.

[@rtracing]

Same here.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Ditto.

[@Paul37Ontario]

@@dougrobinson8602 I'm in the middle of doing it right now, its a big job, there's 41 joints in the suspension (front and back), thankfully there's a bunch of arms with ball and or bushings already installed in the arm, but the subframe bushings are thought, and I have a lift, full machine shop with all the tool, but not the BMW job specific dealer tools, it's coming along. I wouldn't want to do it again. Got my refresh kit (level 3) from ECS. All joints, shocks and struts, ect. the good part is I'm going to have a E90 that drives like new. Also new brakes and all new cooling system.

[@X11CHASE]

@@Paul37Ontario how was it dealing with ECS? I’ve heard they suck

[@Eliasccv14]

@@X11CHASE deal with? I’ve never had a single problem with ECS products or customer service to be honest.

[@ebsupra]

12:42 The background giggle was the affirmation I needed.

[@7jestrada]

Love the DIYs. I buy your parts and you show me how to install them myself. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@fcpeuro]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@djbobbyjay]

Is there a possible upgrade for the front suspension on the xDrive E9o models?

[@67daltonknox]

On a 2011 E90 328i, I replaced the control arms, torsion link and strut bushing with Lemforders and the strut with Bilstein touring. Made a great improvement to handling without degrading comfort like the M3 stuff.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for the real word feedback on those parts, Dalton!

[@travies1527]

was it the 4 piece lemforder set ?

[@Broke335i]

any oem upgrade for the e90 x-drive?

[@dizowned]

I did just install these a few weeks back and you should know if your going to install this you need to know that you may have to take a few millimeters off the wishbone strut where it mounts to chassis, the knuckle side you don't have to modify anything. Depending on the gap in your chassis mount, it may be a tad bit narrower (millimeters) than the TRW bushings are cut for. So just make sure you have a dremel or an electric sander so you can match the gap. You do want it to fit relatively tight so only take a mill or so off at time and take your time to match it. Also look out for metal burrs on your chassis, inspect your openings to make sure you have a smooth mating surface. GLHF.

[@dougrobinson8602]

I've heard that. My recommendation would be to mic the original part, then grind or by other means match the new piece to the same dimension as the one removed.

[@TheMasterKelly]

@@dougrobinson8602 I just did this and yea i think shaving the bushing would probably be better. I filed out the mounting point on the subframe so i guess i cant really replace the arms with the old non m3 ones if i had to unless i re-modify subframe or get a new one. Oh well lucky fcp euro has lifetime warranty on them.

[@razvanmoise2871]

Hi there! Can you do a DIY of the rear control arms upgrade please ?! I think it will be as helpful as this one! Best regards from Spain!

[@Boasandpythons]

12:44 "Bottom out des nuts." followed by an off camera giggle and a smile. Well played!

[@user-xm6oq9gz9u]

Would I torque it to using foot pounds. My torque wrench only goes to foot pound. It does have nm side but the numbers only go to 20.7

[@MegredyPhotoStudio]

The tension strut bolt on the wheel side won't come off easy. I am afraid to pull harder not to break the torx inside..

[@kingofslimecity]

Any m3 front suspension upgrades for e90 2010 328i Xdrives? Or only rwd

[@iamlucy6464]

What exactly would I feel if I did this upgrade to my E90 330i 2011? Will the car have a smoother ride?

[@shawnkhan6172]

alignment specs??? for 335i e90 with front m3 control arm upgrade kit

[@ssdwired3163]

That wish bone thats hammered in (9:47), is it fine to sand down the inner teeth a bit of where the control arm mates? 2006 E90 330i

[@octuple187]

Question, do you need new bolts/nuts for replacing the control arms?

[@fleejax8633]

Thank you! Hope to see more xdrive suspension upgrade support too one day

[@romcon7097]

so this does not apply to a 328i xDrive? since the front of an xDrive has a separate ball joint?

[@a20axf]

I’m just about to do the same upgrade but for my F chassis M140i so this was a good reference video to get an idea of what is required. Granted it’s probably slightly different, but nevertheless a good resource.

[@shize9ine]

Been waiting for this!

[@Eliasccv14]

You forgot to mention in the tools needed to get a 21mm socket. Only says wrench. Kinda put me in bad spot right now but ill just have to get the socket

[@fcpeuro]

Super sorry about that Elias, unintentinoally omitted from the tool list section. Hopefully you got it sorted

[@Eliasccv14]

@@fcpeuro no problem, just had to get good ole dad to pick it up real quick from the parts store🤙🏽

[@maddiebush156]

cool torque wrench. I didn't know you could get them to measure the angle too, I've always struggled with protractor and a bit of cardboard :D

[@hyeworx8485]

With your TRW control arms back in stock, I came back to this video for reference. Such a simple installation for such complicated German engineering. Thank you!

[@YuriDontPlay]

Suck em up

[@Need4vtec]

Is this kit compatible with RHD cars?

[@WP0EU]

please help.... it's a bmw e92 335i coupe and I'm getting ready to install a kw V3 and now the question is which is better modification sway bar (h&r) or m3 control arm kit. the vehicle is used as a weekend vehicle and for back road enjoyment.

[@willjay9808]

13:44 would someone give this guy a ratcheting wrench, im sick of seeing him move his dang left hand with no results, we could've nerfed this videos time in half if we gave him the right tools LOL

[@devanrobert766]

is this able to go on a AWD 328i as well or RWD only?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Devan, these are going to be for a RWD application only, as the suspension setup is different for the Xdrive vehicles.

[@2b2bs]

On my 2007 328i e90 my control arms behind the rack a pinnion the bolt to take out keeps getting stuck between that boot and wont let me get it out and drop the control arm anyone know or dealt with this before let me know

[@miguelbaldo6193]

Installed it today in the workshop and drove it back home i can tell u guys it drives horrible without an alignment. Should i do the front with the m3 presets or the Standard preset for the front ?

[@jayparnes]

I have these control arms installed on my E89 Z4. I'm considering to replace the tension strut bushing. Do you know how the solid rubber bushing on the tension strut compares to 95A poly? Will the poly provide decreased deflection and better braking response?

[@user-xm6oq9gz9u]

I’ve had my m3 control arms for 2 years 😅😅 think I should finally install them

[@seanchu9139]

which model of M3 control arm do you use? I have been to my dealer, and they need specific model of M3 to know which control arms to give me

[@Hauser03]

How did you know my control arms are bad...

[@fcpeuro]

We just knew Michael....

[@SDE90]

@@fcpeuro LOL

[@bmw328iowner8]

What is the consequence of upgrading only the lower control arms? The upper control arms are brand new stock. Thanks in advance. (2009 E90 4-door sedan with 130k miles. Daily driver and uber vehicle.)

[@sussertheoriginal]

Interesting misuse of the term "Camber". What is going on here is less camber, as in more negative camber.

[@goorackerelite]

I can't get the thrust arm into the bushing area of my E82.... it's too tight!!! do I have a defective part ?

[@sipwhitemocha]

I was able to replace my control arms thanks to this video. Thanks team

[@shallah777]

How do you check the ride height

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

I bought my E93 335i almost a year ago. I bought the M3 control arms before I took possession oc the car. Just waiting for the proper amount of "want to" to hit me in terms of installing them. I don't have a lift and working on stands is no fun!

[@fcpeuro]

Not as convenient for sure, but totally doable Ferryn. Maybe with the weather turning nice the motivation will hit you!

[@ChrisChaos209]

Yeah, its honestly pretty easy.. I literally just did this upgrade last week in my driveway on jack stands.. took me about 45 mins per side.. only speed bump I ran into was where the lca bolts to the chassis, it was a pretty tight fit but with a rubber mallet or dead blow, itll eventually go in lol

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

@@ChrisChaos209 .....I might give it a go this weekend. The stock control arms have JUST begin to leak. No noise or strange feel. I had the car on stands the past 2 weeks replacing all of the coolant hoses, mickey mouse fittings, putting on downpipes all kinds of stuff. I was going to do it then, when I saw the drivers side mount barely leaking, but the downpipes were a severe PITA and I was over it. How do they feel?

[@ferrynpalmer3875]

@@fcpeuro thanks FCP.....you guys are a GODSEND by the way!! If I'd have known about you years ago I'd have had several BMW's by now!!!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Nice! Thanks, Gareth. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻

[@heatchamps2011]

I need a tread chaser. Pushing the lower control arm in messed up the boot hole and pushed metel in the side and the bolt wont go in. Is it possible to fix

[@Sonnygetslost]

"We're gonna go ahead and bottom out deez nuts." (Cannot hold back smile ftw) that got me good.

[@neko_789]

My e82 tramlines pretty bad. There is no vibration in the steering wheel. Do think it can be my control arms?

[@mapax5]

Once the bushings on the m3 control arms wear wear out, is there an option to replace, or always set on having to buy new control arms?

[@josephdow1521]

Kit DOES NOT come with new hardware, so make sure your order that separately.

[@Credman1883]

Wait the only difference between the standard and the M3 tension strut is the bushing???

[@zafmahmood5654]

Informative and well presented. The question I have for you is looking at your list of cars above the BMW 3 Series 325d is not listed. My car was built in 2009 and is E91,does it mean I can not use there M3 PARTS ?Many thanks

[@slimstylro1960]

What if my car is awd can I still upgrade to the m3 components

[@MHTPRO]

Can you show us how to replace oil pan gasket on e90

[@fcpeuro]

dreaded job, but its on our list to shoot a DIY on.

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@fcpeuro Dreaded, but common. I tried Liquimoly oil saver, hoping to postpone the agony.

[@a.g.pennypacker3464]

Did mine about 6 months ago while I was in there replacing the turbos. Bit of an involved job.

[@ricolam4916]

Works for RHD too?

[@optikadayz3659]

WOW AMAZING, just ordered this for my E90!!

[@fcpeuro]

Let us know how it goes Anthony!

[@tevinsouraphol4981]

If you want to show us how to install why not slow down step by step with the video

[@russiandrivers9986]

Who wants to do this job on my car just for fun?

[@samcourt6228]

Does the E9x have the camber pin like the E8x? If you remove that, you can get a bit of extra camber too.

[@mobiusII]

I'm waiting for my control arm upgrade kit to arrive. I am looking forward to doing the job next weekend!

[@fcpeuro]

Woooh, you got this!

[@mobiusII]

@fcpeuro I got it done! While I was doing the job, I discovered I need tie rods as well. I ordered those from you and will be installing them in a couple of days. Thank you SO MUCH for all of your quality tutorial videos!

[@DJMOJO85]

Which nuts are you referring to? 12:46

[@harishmathiazhagan5758]

Deez

[@EFRANEED]

E87 or E81 Hatchs also works right? N52B30

[@ricolam4916]

When will the trw m3 front and rear kit back in stock again?

[@svantepryce9270]

Will this same kit fit a 2007-E90-320i ? I’d really like to refresh the suspension with something similar.

[@fcpeuro]

This works for all rear wheel drive E90's.

[@patricioaguayo9088]

I have a question....control arm that has the thru bolts and nuts,are they supposed to be replaced and are they special bolts??? Thank you for taking the time to teach us,thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Patricio, because those are torque to yield bolts, it is recommended you replace them after each use.

[@crzivan01]

I can confirm that if you torque the 8.8 to the spec of the 10.9 + 90 degrees it will snap off. 🤦‍♂️ I made the mistake of referencing the torque specs off of a form post without verifying. Turns out the spec in the post was for a 10.9 and I have the 8.8 grade bolts attaching the front control arms to the subframe.

[@dumbeezy5480]

Ouch. How’d you get it out

[@crzivan01]

@@dumbeezy5480 , it came out no problem. Ended up finding an 8.8 grade zinc bolt at a hardware store, 100 mm length, but different thread pitch. Got some washers and a nut for it, tapped it into place and torqued it. Will probably order the BMW bolts eventually and replace the hardware store bolt that's in there now.

[@liamdunckley7405]

Will these work on a 90 320d 2009 rwd ??

[@GeorgeAusters]

what about the E81 and E87?

[@thomasbintner2098]

Will this kit fit 09 335D?

[@fcpeuro]

Yes so long as its RWD!

[@Inline6Doza]

can you guys do a dedicated video on tools to use for BMWs??

[@fcpeuro]

We certainly can! Gareth loves his tool collection so wont be hard to convince him to shoot that one.

[@Inline6Doza]

@@fcpeuro thanks 🤝🔧

[@eetu3527]

kind of confused what di you mean 69 NM then 90

[@jmf30]

Could y’all do one for the f30 335i getting f80 control arms ??

[@wewal5290]

why replace the nuts and bolts ? are different for the m3 arms?

[@JAY2SUAVE]

“First we’ll just bottom out these nuts” classic😂

[@JamesWebbFitness]

Lol the grin after you said bottom out these nuts.

[@SteveWeltman]

Garreth! The man! Great video... I am going to do this exact same thing... Only one thing.. I wish I bought the parts from FCP :(. Next time I guess. #projectweltspeed #weltspeed

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it! And yup, there's always next time! (and if theres anytime after that you're covered by the Lifetime Replacement Guarantee!)

[@nevenblaskovic7627]

Hi does this upgrade give a 0.8 to 1 degre of camber per side?

[@hectorespinoza7641]

How much does this repair usually go for?

[@eugenedonovan2582]

If you only have a couple jack stands how do you know what ride height is when torqueing down the upper control arm bushing? Do you just push up the knuckle until its even with the fender?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Eugene, if you are working on the ground, it is best to measure the distance from the center of the hub to the fender line before jacking up the vehicle to start your DIY. From there you will have a rough measurement to work off of.

[@dumbeezy5480]

Just jack up the from a sturdy part until it comes off the jack stand

[@cupompa]

Excellent!

[@thivesennayager6278]

Did i miss the tierod end clip

[@iNuclear9]

will it fit on a 325d from 2008?

[@dirkvanviersen671]

I installed this today, ill have to wait a few days for allignment, but it drives terrible now, is that normal?

[@itsyeboigaming4261]

mine is doing the same thing. did the alignment fixed the issue??

[@dirkvanviersen671]

@@itsyeboigaming4261 yes thats normal, its driving perfect, not much different than before

[@CRSwift]

Do you need NEW BOLTS? or is the angle torque for the locknuts only?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi CRSWift, you need new bolts and nuts as they are torque to yield hardware.

[@CRSwift]

@@fcpeuro interesting, i can understand replacing the nuts (they come with the kits) BMW TIS doesn't advise replacing bolts, and the videos I've seen don't advise either?

[@alexlafreniere6573]

Hey guys, so I ordered some M3 wish bones from FCP and installed them yesterday and im running into an issue where my steering feels really loose and my steering wheel doesn't return anymore. My installation was basically a complete mirror of this video, so i cant pinpoint what's going on. Any help would be appreciated.

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Hey Alex , can you please tell me if you have solved this steering / suspension issue ? What was the problem and the remedy ?

[@miguelbaldo6193]

I need the answer too 😂 it drives horrible now hope its just an alignment issue…

[@tomrosner1560]

@@miguelbaldo6193did the alignment fix it?

[@tomrosner1560]

@@ThunderbirdRocketdid the alignment fix it for you?

[@B2KJFF]

Can I buy this kit and will it fit for UK e90s?

[@TheMasterKelly]

Should do, whats the UK difference? if you're asking about right hand drive like i have in NZ than yea it fits, gotta either modify the bushing or file out he mounting point on subframe for the wishbone though.

[@panji6887]

Will this works on e84 x1 rwd?

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Awesome ! Thanks for sharing this information !!

[@fcpeuro]

Our pleasure!

[@austiinhounn]

Will this work with 15mm spacers?

[@GeorgeAusters]

No way is that 175nm

[@fcpeuro]

Can confirm, 175nm was reached. G just makes it look easy.

[@GeorgeAusters]

@@fcpeuro Did it today and it was damn tight! Haha

[@_J20_]

12:46 😏

[@mattarmstrong4935]

LOL Me and my brother installed these trw m3 control arms earlier today on my 2007 328i 6 spd and then I come inside wash up and relax to find this video released today. What a coincidence! Thank you FCP Euro!

[@fcpeuro]

Wild that works sometimes ^.^ Hope the install went well Matt!

[@joosttromp]

is this upgrade no option for E81 / E87?

[@valentijn9]

It would work. Watch Autoblog at The Engineer’s Garage with Wouter Kartsen’s 130i.

[@carlossport3193]

what does it change...?series to M3?

[@cribsone]

Did you listen to the whole video? He actually explains it...

[@SethDavis96]

More e90 content please 🙏🏽 been using your video on how to replace the waterpump! Sadly mine has xDrive. Do I need to drop the subframe to replace it then?

[@THBMW]

No need to drop the subframe. Swivel 10mm, 6mm, and E12 sockets are going to make your life a lot easier.

[@Wergrun]

Awd e91 ( ._.)

[@nycshelbygt500]

Awesome DIY video Gareth. Look at the plate H4DES = HADES = HELL HaHa Working on the M3 control arm upgrade on my F30 335i....not so simple. The M3 control arms can be done first. I think the long M12 bolt p/n has ended, so order the correct replacement p/n (different lengths). The M3 headlight arm is completely different, so you just pull out the little ball joint with the threaded stud and install it on your longer F30 arm before attaching it to the M3 control arm. Then do the M3 thrust arms later on. The M3 thrust arm/tension strut balljoint is much narrower that the F3X thrust arm...so you need spacers. 6mm + 12mm width = 18mm. You can get aluminum spacers (SAE English units) from Summit Racing. Stainless Steel spacers (Metric) are available from the UK on eBay. 6mm + 12 mm width spacers is the same as 1/4 + 1/2 inch width spacers. ID is for an M12 bolt (12 mm or 1/2 inch) - - OD is 1.5 inch (25.4 +12.7 mm = 38 mm) Measurements are easy to remember. Check f30.bimmerpost.com for more details. NOTE: You can get monoball joints pressed into the stock F30 thrust arms that come with spacers from Turner Motorsports.

[@fcpeuro]

Great information!

[@uragan1991]

FCP " EURO" - TOO bad on the website there is NO OPTION FOR DIESEL OR 2LITERS engines ☠ , 80-ish % of euro cars are diesel 😳😔 and no delivery option for BELGIUM ☠ wth .

[@livingthelife8443]

That’s what I should do

[@fcpeuro]

Lets get to it!

[@livingthelife8443]

@@fcpeuro been riding good 👍🏿

[@cribsone]

Great DIY! Can you post some allignment settings that one should make after this modification?

[@fcpeuro]

it makes snese to double check all alignment settings after this installation, you'll have to check your car specifically to know what adjustments to make.

[@cribsone]

@@fcpeuro yes, but with the M3 control arms, the camber will have larger values than stock so basically I will have to ask them for M3 camber and stock toe? What did you use for the car that you replaced the control arms?

[@razvanmoise2871]

@@cribsone in principiu asa ar trebui sa ii zici mecanicului, dar o sa fie greu sa ti lase unghiul bine(ca de M3 ma refer).

[@cribsone]

@@razvanmoise2871 Am încercat, dar mecanicii de geometrie de la noi sunt cam încuiați și nu prea acceptă alte setări decât alea date de aparatele de aliniere. Până la urmă am mers cu setările stock de la care am plecat și am lăsat toe pe 0.00

[@razvanmoise2871]

@@cribsone nu doar mecanicii din ro sunt asa, si astia din spania sunt cam la fel! Stiu sa lase geometria in zona verde si cam atat! Eu am pus toate articulatiile de M3 fata-spate si geometrie de M3, dar nu mi place cum se comporta, sincer!!! Ar trebui sa merg la un atelier tuning de prin Madrid sau Barcelona din pacate!

[@nycshelbygt500]

WARNING: These M3 control arm upgrades are NOT for X-Drive 3-Series/4-Series models. You can probably get monoball joints at Turner Motorsports to insert into your existing control arms and thrust arms as an upgrade for X-Drive models. You will need a hydraulic press. Make sure you don't need spacers, since the upgraded thrust arms with monoball joints might not fit into the subframe without them (like F8X M3 Thrust Arms installed in an F3X).