Originally posted by dj10@Sep 26 2005, 01:08 PM
Anyone racing a E36 325 having problems with control arms or other suspension parts?
Thanks
dj
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hi dj,Originally posted by dj10@Sep 26 2005, 01:08 PM
Anyone racing a E36 325 having problems with control arms or other suspension parts?
Thanks
dj
[snapback]61188[/snapback]
Originally posted by mlytle@Sep 26 2005, 01:40 PM
hi dj,
front control arms are common failure part on e36's. there is a bmwcr safety notice out on them. the bolt on the inner ball joint snaps. they are a regular maint item, not a wait untill it breaks kind of thing.
the rear lower control arms are another weak spot. cheap c-channel construction. easily bent if you hop a curb. once they are bent, the strength is seriously compromised and they can just fold up. bmw cr allows them to be reinforced into a box section or completely replaced with stronger aftermarket part. scca allows neither solution.
marshall
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Originally posted by Z3_GoCar@Sep 27 2005, 02:10 AM
I wonder are the front arms interchangeable with the e-30? I'd sure love to swap in a set of Al control arms from an M.
Originally posted by mlytle@Sep 26 2005, 08:40 PM
hi dj,
front control arms are common failure part on e36's. there is a bmwcr safety notice out on them. the bolt on the inner ball joint snaps. they are a regular maint item, not a wait untill it breaks kind of thing.
the rear lower control arms are another weak spot. cheap c-channel construction. easily bent if you hop a curb. once they are bent, the strength is seriously compromised and they can just fold up. bmw cr allows them to be reinforced into a box section or completely replaced with stronger aftermarket part. scca allows neither solution.
marshall
[snapback]61226[/snapback]
Originally posted by Z3_GoCar@Sep 27 2005, 02:10 AM
I assume this includes the e36/7 too with the front control arm. Funny I've not heard more on this on the Z3 boards, but maybe their still new enough and not driven like the sedans. I've heard of the sway bar mount breaking off the trailing arm on M roadsters and coupes, and of course the diff mount tearing off the bottom of the trunk. I wonder are the front arms interchangeable with the e-30? I'd sure love to swap in a set of Al control arms from an M.
James
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they are interchangeable from e30 to 95 e36 range, including the m3 models of both generations. of course they are not the same part number, so it is not legal to do this in improved touring.
i believe the casting of the arm is the same across all subj models, differences being in what bushing is installed in the outer ball joint. e36 m3 and normal e30's have a non-replaceable outer joint that is supposedly stiffer. normal e36's have a replaceable outer ball joint. e30 m3's have alum arms that are same geometry, but different material.
Guys, I have found out today the entire control arm is rebuildable. When you price it out, it will cost about 1/2 of what a new control arm will cost without the labor to remove and press in the new ball joints. So to me I'll get the new arm and not have to worry.
dj