BMW E36 Front Control Arm & Bushing Replacement DIY (328i, 325i, 323i, 318i, Z3 & More)

►Michael Hidalgo is here back in his driveway to walk you through the steps needed to tackle replacing your BMW front control arms and bushings from start to finish.
The vehicle used in this video is a 1999 BMW E36 323i Convertible.
The front control arms are a crucial component of your BMW E36's suspension system, responsible for keeping your car planted and on the road. If you feel your BMW wandering, hear it clunking, or feel it reacting slowly to your steering input, it may be time to service the control arms and their associated bushings.
Despite this job being more on the comprehensive side, not many tools are needed. A few different sized sockets are needed as well as one specialty bushing press tool (linked below) to press the control arm bushings into place.
Symptoms of a front control arm & busing needing replacement:
-Clunking and popping can be heard when your vehicle travels over bumps or dips in the road
-Your steering feels disconnected from the rest of the car
-Your vehicle is slow to react to steering input
-Your vehicle wanders around and has difficulty driving in a straight line
-Your vehicle cannot be aligned properly due to play in suspension components
Read this DIY on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-repla...
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This Lemforder kit is a direct replacement for the factory E36 control arms. The kit includes both control arms, stabilizer bar links, and the control arm bushing kit.
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00:00 - Intro
00:14 - Plasti Dip Disclaimer
00:38 - Parts To Use
02:28 - Diagnosing Your Broken E36 Suspension
03:54 - Tools Needed
05:19 - Jack the Car up & Place Jack Stands
05:27 - Remove End-link
09:41 - Front Ball Joint Removal
12:05 - Rear Bracket Bushing Removal
12:30 - Final Ball Joint Removal - PITA
18:12 - Done being stuck - HEAT and Removal
19:48 - Passenger Side Entire Removal
22:03 - Analysis of Failed Parts
24:38 - Press on Bushing and Bracket onto Control Arm
30:15 - Loosely Reinstall Control Arm - Hand Tight
31:02 - Jack up Control Arm, Torque Nuts and Bolts to Spec
33:26 - Reinstall Sway Bar
35:53 - Install End Links
37:31 - Conclusion and Button Up
This job is applicable to the following vehicles:
BMW 318i
1992 BMW 318i
1993 BMW 318i
1994 BMW 318i
1995 BMW 318i
1996 BMW 318i
1997 BMW 318i
1998 BMW 318i
BMW 318is
1992 BMW 318is
1993 BMW 318is
1994 BMW 318is
1995 BMW 318is
1996 BMW 318is
1997 BMW 318is
BMW 318ti
1995 BMW 318ti
1996 BMW 318ti
1997 BMW 318ti
1998 BMW 318ti
1999 BMW 318ti
BMW 323i
1999 BMW 323i
1998 BMW 323i
BMW 323is
1998 BMW 323is
1999 BMW 323is
BMW 325i
1992 BMW 325i
1993 BMW 325i
1994 BMW 325i
1995 BMW 325i
BMW 325is
1992 BMW 325is
1993 BMW 325is
1994 BMW 325is
1995 BMW 325is
BMW 328i
1996 BMW 328i
1997 BMW 328i
1998 BMW 328i
1999 BMW 328i
BMW 328is
1996 BMW 328is
1997 BMW 328is
1998 BMW 328is
1999 BMW 328is
BMW Z3
1996 BMW Z3
1997 BMW Z3
1998 BMW Z3 Roadster
1999 BMW Z3 Coupe
1999 BMW Z3 Roadster
2000 BMW Z3 Coupe
2000 BMW Z3 Roadster
2001 BMW Z3 Coupe
2001 BMW Z3 Roadster
2002 BMW Z3 Coupe
2002 BMW Z3 Roadster
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[@fcpeuro]

Shop the parts used in this video here: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-kit-5-piece-e36-e365piece-l#fitment?

[@trainingwheels1408]

This is one of the best, most honest, and well narrated videos I have seen. Every thing you did was easy to follow and honestly presented. Thank you for posting this.

[@djkingpin8786]

I’ve done this several times over the years on my or my friends cars, but today I got stuck on my ballpoints…. Totally forgot about my pickle fork 🤦🏽‍♂️ watched until 11:29 and went back to my garage and they came right out. Thanks! 😆

[@PotatoFi]

This video is awesome. I love that it's casual, has some jokes. Fantastic - exactly what I was looking for.

[@olivergarthwaite8908]

Thanks for the video! I have to do this on my 95’ M3. I laughed listening to all the “bleeps”…. sounds like my garage when I’m working on my car!

[@quiksr20]

We need more diy videos from Mike hes hilarious!! this helped me big time and of course I ordered all the parts from you guys!

[@fcpeuro]

He's definitely keeps us cracking up in the shop!

[@diankurtev4288]

Very well explained, thanks for the video 👌 greetings from Bulgaria!

[@gordythecreator]

Thanks for dipping it properly. I couldn't imagine if The Vehicle Wraps i install had a rough start like dipping got. I was one of the first in the world to sell, design, install, and PROMOTE Vehicle Wraps.

[@LavendrHoney]

What’s your company called

[@everett7812]

Appreciate the content bro! I’m looking to buy a E36 and tryna get up to speed with everything I’ll need to change out for preventative maintenance before dropping a turbo kit and this was a big help, definitely getting this done as one of the first things when the cars in so it’s off the list

[@aidanleffler1652]

you ever get the whip bro?

[@rhar1044]

I had the same done on my 99’ e36 M3. I did everything. Control arms, bushings, trailing arms and tie rods. Remember, the suspension setup is different on the M cars, although some parts are interchangeable. Luckily, my RTABS were still good.

[@epaminontas6972]

Where did you get your parts from? I also have a 99 m3 and it needs suspension. I got all my e90 stuff from fcp when I did the suspension refresh, but they don't have all the stuff for e36

[@k1zer100]

Do you mean if its different from 328i??

[@daveolliemetalhead]

Excellent video

[@father2111]

Great useful vid, thanks very much.

[@googoobaby2394]

Great Video Thank you. 😎

[@nhhandyman]

Well done - no air tools either - at my age though - air tools are key :-) (two 95 325i E36 convertibles)

[@LordTheodore04]

great video

[@tre_2EC0]

Great DIY! I just finished taking off the arms and one thing I would like to note is that I tried to take off those subframe nuts in a variety of ways. A ratcheting wrench didn't fit on the drivers side, and the open ended wrench was just painful to have to deal with. Drivers side: Take off the airbox Remove the PS reservoir and move it to the side Bend one of the metal PS hoses slightly toward the motor mount (mine need replacing anyway but they only need to move .5" or so) You should now be able to fit a socket and a U joint along with a bunch of extensions and use a wrench, breaker bar, or impact to take it off. I havent tried the passenger side but a similar approach may be beneficial

[@scatpack1017]

Taking off the intake box, MAF duct, and unbolting the PS reservoir plus moving that metal line got me enough room to get a crap ton of extensions on the driver. I was able to get the passenger nut off with a little 10" 3/8th breaker bar and a shallow 21mm socket. The nut is a 22mm but a 21mm will fit.

[@ruthmckinsey6018]

Love your vids!

[@fcpeuro]

💙

[@Yungbuck707]

Great video 😅

[@altacat9702]

Thank You Sir !!

[@kaibintech]

Nice video, subscriped.

[@sjy118]

Thanks mom!

[@autodog618]

First great DIY'er. I have complete rebuild kit in hand and this will help me install and be aware of trouble areas. One quesiton hopefully someone on here can answer,: As I just bought the same Style 42's -assume yours are 17's, can you tell me if you had to roll the fenders with it lowered for those to work without rubbing. Also, assume the tires are like 205's. I will add H&R lowering springs when I do the B4 sport shocks and am curious if I will have to roll the fenders both front and rear?

[@tonydize3944]

Awesome

[@alexfunaro1117]

Great DIY, what type/brand of sockets are you using, I have seen others using them and just curious what they are. Ratchet looks like harbor freight

[@tre_2EC0]

I’m doing this on my new e36 right now. That subframe bolt is such a pain! Ended up biting the bullet and getting a ratcheting wrench

[@fcpeuro]

Ratcheting wrenches come in so clutch! Hope you were able to finish off the job right.

[@tre_2EC0]

@@fcpeuro unfortunately my ratcheting wrench didnt work :( see my other top level comment for what I did that worked Thank you for your wonderful service and quality parts.

[@auggie3936]

So quick question, hopefully I can get some help. When you’re talking about the sway bar, ride height can be a little off from factory or no?? I put control arms before I put coilovers and the sway bar is sitting on the control arm.. I want to lift the sway bar up on both sides and adjust for the new 9inchish end links. Think that’s possible or will it throw off the sway bar functions?

[@david-ds4ww]

bro this was a good video i loved it so much, i was wondering what was the color of your e36 cause i’m looking into getting a similar style to it

[@LastOfTheBrohicans]

Dude having a hell of a time with some seized up ball joints. Great video, though baby! Anyway, got a bet going. Were you ever in ska band?

[@zader253]

Ive been at this on and off for 2 months now lol, passenger side bolts are all hand tight, but the driver side is a pos to get

[@kezug95]

When installing the nut on the outer ball joint, will it spin causing you to have to use the allen wrench on top of bolt, of which then will require the strut to be removed? I really hope I can install just like you did and the nut tightens and NOT spins the outer ball joint.

[@emilioestevez3469]

My two 17mm bolts on the rear bracket bushing control arm came off yesterday 😭 trying to find the exact size. It says M10x 40mm Real Oem. I was able to find a M10 1.5 x40mm at regular shop but seems like those bolts are too thick to enter. 😅 would you happen to know the exact measurement. I ordered the real oem this morning online. Not sure what’s the difference from the online one and the one I tried from auto shop.

[@alherch]

Oh yeah baby! Lovin those mutton chops. If you can hit all those nuts and bolts the day before with some PB Blaster. Gotta love all that rust from the lovely east coast winters...

[@fcpeuro]

Yeahhh bbayyybayy! Mistakes were made not PB blasting and cleaning some threads ahead of time for sure. Nothing a little heat couldn't help in the end!

[@Happypandabacon]

It’s a 22mm on the inner balljoint just a heads up

[@sinister.328is]

question. So when breaking slightly around 20 to 30 the car steers itself violently back and forth I bought same kit from different website and will install when it gets here. But will my issue be fixed or is it something else? Brakes are not warped. I rarely press hard on the brakes at all so no reason for them to be warped. No reason for high heat or any excessive wear brakes look great and using balanced wheels so that shouldn't be the issue anybody has any tips please let me know because I want to drive my car because I just got my tune in the mail from waiting for 7 months for the mail supervisor too Do his job and fix the problem that he caused and finally get the tune that I ordered 7 months ago then this scary self-steer issue happened so can't enjoy it until I fix that problem 😞

[@chifdagrif5105]

What tool did you use to compress the lollipop bushings onto the control arms?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Chif, Mike used CTA 8920 for this DIY!

[@kezug95]

Is the purpose of the lift with rag under the inner and outer solely to lift and push the tapered end into the housing of the cross member (for inner) and knuckle (for outer)? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrRgWOhd65rbqc And NOT for any means of keeping anything from spinning?

[@aster5031]

5/5

[@fcpeuro]

6/5 Comment

[@kdoran709]

Fkn love FCP videos

[@ecaam]

Is this similar to e30 coupe install

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Eric, same idea!

[@auggie3936]

This isn’t for m3? I don’t see the small rectangular bracket on m3 mine

[@auggie3936]

I don’t see the end link on mine, if anything it might look different

[@user-og3lv2ky3n]

This thing you hit the ball joint at 11.46.... How can I find it I need it...

[@fcpeuro]

Hi there, you can find that tool on FCPEuro.com by searching CTA-A410! Also known as a pickle fork or balljoint separator.

[@user-og3lv2ky3n]

@@fcpeuro thanks mate

[@Thedivine-gy7wm]

The CTA bushing tool y’all sent me sucks ass spent 200$ for some shitty parts

[@edgaralejandromusic8781]

Is it the same for e46

[@looking_33]

For everyone PISSED OFF. ITS A 22mm

[@coober0_0]

Guys that tool is the dumbeDT thing. I get it but for 250$+...... BRUH

[@mrkeopele]

can you send a poor man your unused lollipop bushings

[@Aardvark49]

You are a fool for getting under a car supported only by jacks. Please get some decent jack stands.

[@fcpeuro]

Vic Sorlie at @21:26 you can see where Mike had 2 Jack stands minimum under the car at a time, as well as 2 wheels under the car as a safety precaution in addition to the jack. But do agree he could use some beefier stands!

[@Aardvark49]

FCP Euro OK thanks. I watched only about five minutes of this video. All I saw was car up on two jacks. Scary

[@fcpeuro]

@@Aardvark49 You didnt even make it to the good stuff!

[@Aardvark49]

@@fcpeuro My apologies. I watched some more of the video and see that Michael did have the front up on stands. It wasn't clear at the beginning when he lifted the car. If he had taken a little time to show how he was supporting the car securely it would have helped.

[@fcpeuro]

@@Aardvark49 Totally agree Vic Sorlie. Hope you still enjoyed it and we'll be sure to point that step out a bit better next time!

[@terrykinnell4201]

great video