Been a busy couple weekends
Since a vibration started when braking I knew it was time for new thrust arms (58k on the car). After being jerked around by Vines Automotive (posting ebay auctions they didn't have parts for and then the parts were back ordered) I purchased a set from another seller. (similar auction can be found here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...3001QQtcZphoto )
The arms appear to be the same as Vines with the orange insert as seen below:
It's difficult to see in the pic (even more so when they were installed) but the stock bushing was split the length of the key way making it easily movable by hand. Install went smoothly on the passenger side, but the driver's side ball joint was stubborn and resulted in pulling the brakes so I could use my pickle fork. Also one tip: I found removing the sub frame sway bar brackets allowed the bar to move more so it was easier to fit the socket on the back thrust arm bolt.
Then came the brake ducts and re-routed air intake (was directly connected to the grill opening.
Then the damaged lower bumper covers/front wheel well covers were replaced with the corresponding ones with the brake cut outs.
The weekend before was detail day. Started with a wash and engine bay scrub then a full clay bar, 3 step polish and wax, all Griot's products. The result after a full day of work (better pics in the sun will come later
)
See The Pic's------->
Linear Mode
