Are all e36 control arms the same?

In general all RWD non-M model E36s use the same front control arms. It wasn’t until 1995 with the release of the M3 model that BMW changed the control arm design.

Should control arms be replaced in pairs?

Control arms should be replaced in pairs — arms on both sides of a front or rear axle — if the reason for replacement is worn control arm bushings or a worn ball joint.

Is upgrading control arms worth it?

The most common reason to replace a control arm is to improve wheel travel as part of a suspension lift. However, a new control arm can offer more than just increased ride height (lift) and additional wheel travel: Increased durability in the arm itself. A wider range of uniball/ball joint options.

Do tubular A arms make a difference?

Lastly, tubular control arms look great! They are welded and powder coated, and they let people know you have a performance handling ride! While stock arms are bulky stamped steel and not very appealing, QA1 tubular control arms will make your suspension look as good as the rest of your car!

What do offset control arm bushings do?

Offset control arm bushings change the orientation of the control arm by adding more caster and negative camber. The solid rubber design has less deflection than a webbed rubber bushing. This helps to improve handling and steering response. The standard bushings have the hole in the center.

Can you replace just one lower control arm?

Yes, you can replace just one control arm. The ball joints are integrated; don’t reuse them.

How does the BMW E36 front suspension system work?

In the BMW E36’s front suspension system, the control arm ties all of the main suspension components together. The arm mounts to the chassis, to the subframe, and the wheel hub, allowing the suspension only to move up and down. At the rear of the arm is a stud that passes through a separate bushing that mounts to the chassis.

Can you change the ball joints on a BMW E36?

Parts are plentiful for the BMW E36, and can be swapped from the most hardcore versions to the softest. Control arm ball joints and bushings are relatively easy to replace and aren’t too expensive to upgrade for spirited use. Replacing them requires a decent number of hand tools but is certainly a doable driveway job.

How do you jack up a BMW E36?

Here is a link to the article: Jacking up your E36 BMW Once the car is up in the air and firmly supported on jack stands, remove the lug bolts and pull the wheels off. Look at the backside of the rotor/hub assembly and locate the sway bar drop links that attach to the control arm.

How do I remove the control arm from my car?

Once free, tap the top of the control arm with a rubber mallet to free the control arm from the rotor/hub assembly.Be prepared for the strut assembly to expand slightly once free. This is normal. Look at where the control arm mounts nearest the rear of the car. You will see a large rubber bushing housed in a bracket bolted to the chassis.