[m feezy]

my control arm bushings are shot and decided to do a front end overhaul. so far i got the lower and upper control arms, center link, and outer tie rod ends. is there anything else i should add to the list?? thanks

 

[mpiaty]

Mine is floating like a boat when braking and I was thinking about the same thing.
Can you post the part numbers, prices or link of the parts you are getting ?
Thanks.

Are you going with stock/oem parts ?

 

[m feezy]

32211096059 center link
32211091723 tie rod
32211091724 tie rod
31121141961 control arm
31121092609 control arm
31121141962 control arm
31121092610 control arm

not sure which p/n is left or right, because it doesnt show on the invoice. hope that helps!!

 

[OC e39r]

I would also do the front sway bar bushings, guide links and brackets. Maybe the front wheel bearings and hubs if high mileage

 

[mpiaty]

95k miles. You think it's due for the bearings ?
I didn't feel any play in the wheels. I'm used to retighten then a little if there's a play in the wheel. I know I can do it one time very lightly before replacing the bearings.

 

[OC e39r]

95k miles. You think it's due for the bearings ?
I didn't feel any play in the wheels. I'm used to retighten then a little if there's a play in the wheel. I know I can do it one time very lightly before replacing the bearings.

They might be still marginally fine, but if you want to do it all at once and get it over with then replace them.

 

[Vector57]

95k miles. You think it's due for the bearings ?
I didn't feel any play in the wheels. I'm used to retighten then a little if there's a play in the wheel. I know I can
do it one time very lightly before replacing the bearings.

Front wheel bearings on our M5 do not have a retaining nut, as typically found on many cars with inner and outer
tapered roller bearings. It's a sealed unit, mounted onto the steering knuckle with four bolts and it's outer flange
is what the brake rotor and wheel mount onto.

When I did mine at just over 100K, it was primarily for wear on the lug bolt threads. There was no play noted and
the rotor spun without any apparent roughness. However, after their removal, I could definitely feel that both of
the old bearings were dry and rough when compared to the new bearing/hub. Major difference in lug bolt thread
engagement. I would recommend replacing them along with your other items.

Another item to add to your list, is the idler arm.

Regards,
Alan

 

[mpiaty]

Vector, good to know about. I'm spending all my day reading on the suspension upgrade and can't make up my mind if I should just replace the worn components or buy the suspension kit and do it all at once.
what do you have to say about this ?
BMW E39 540i 540 M5 Front CONTROL ARMS Center Link Kit - eBay (item 140488627742 end time May-08-11 21:52:53 PDT)

 

[Vector57]

Vector, good to know about. I'm spending all my day reading on the suspension upgrade and can't make up
my mind if I should just replace the worn components or buy the suspension kit and do it all at once.
what do you have to say about this ?
BMW E39 540i 540 M5 Front CONTROL ARMS Center Link Kit - eBay (item 140488627742 end time May-08-11 21:52:53 PDT)

The only addition to the list of items from OP (m feezy) that are shown in the link above would be the stabilizer bar links and the
idler arm. I don't know anything about the manufacturer for the eBay listing. My preference (opinion), would be to use only parts
by Lemforder. Their quality and longevity is well established. This isn't something you want to be doing again due to premature
failure from (potentially) lesser quality parts. However, all of the items shown in the eBay link is a good list of the typical, heavy
wear parts. I would also recommend you add the stabilizer bar grommets, along with new clamps. The front clamps don't break
like the ones on the rear, but they do tend to deform to some degree.

In the event you have room in your budget, I would suggest installing the Dinan "Mono-Balls" for your traction strut arm. They are
pricey, to be sure, but it will literally transform your steering response. In addition, you will never again experience any brake
judder caused by sloppy bushings. This was one of the best "mods" I did on my beast.

Regards,
Alan

 

[mpiaty]

Thanks, I will definitely look into Lemforder parts. I couldn't get the manufacturer from that eBay seller.

So the total is

2- Control Arms* Right & Left
31 12 1 141 961 / 31 12 1 141 962

2- Thrust Arms* Right & Left
31 12 1 092 609 / 31 12 1 092 610

2- Sway Bar Links* Right & Left
31 35 1 095 664

2- Tie Rods* Right & Left
32 21 1 091 724/ 32 21 1 091 723

1- Idler Arm*
32 21 1 141 592*

1- Center Tie Rod / Drag Link*
32 21 1 096 059

stabilizer bar
grommets
front clamps

 

[LEENA1]

I just finished a week ago, complete front and rear suspension rebuild (shocks, arms, etc). Definitely noticeable difference! However, I think I still need to swap out the front bearings! When breaking, or running, some play (as well as a grinding feel). They will probably hold for another couple of miles, but since everything else is new, might as well put them on as well. After summer, new tires to complete the transition. Good to go for another 100k+ of enjoyment!

 

[mpiaty]

Nice.. Hope I can post back with positive experience too.

 

[Quicksilv3r]

I'm tempted to pull the trigger on this deal, what do the guru's think?

BMW E39 M5 540i Control Arms Tie Rods Thrust Arms Kit | eBay

 

[mpiaty]

I'm very tempted to do the same, but people around the forum do not recommend aftermarket parts. Still trying to convince myself that this is a good option.
If you do get them, please write back a review on how the experience was.
It doesn't look like a bad option. You can call me cheap but I've seen lots of oem factory parts fail