Get the Best Priced BMW 330i Control Arm

The suspension system is what keeps your BMW riding so smoothly and effortlessly. Keeping the shocks and suspension attached to the car frame, the control arm is an important element that your ride cannot be without. It can be damaged in a collision and wear out after a few years. The ball joints and bushings connected to it can wear as well, and even fail, which would make your vehicle extremely vulnerable to losses in control and further damage. At the first signs of trouble, have your car serviced at a shop and let a mechanic replace the faulty control arm before there are major consequences.

Symptoms of Control Arm Trouble

Noise is one of the first signs a control arm is bad. Whenever you go over a bump, there may be clunking or popping sounds; you may even hear these when speeding up or slowing down. Control arm problems can also cause instability. The car might wander when riding over bumps or uneven surfaces, and even during braking. Other signs include vibration in the steering wheel, especially those that worsen with acceleration and diminish at cruising speed. A worn BMW E46 lower control arm bushing can be the problem. Bushings connect the control arm to the car body. The ball joint connects it to the steering knuckle, and has a flexible ball in socket design. A bent control arm is a common outcome in a collision. It can also bend if you hit a curb.

Is the Ball Joint Connected to the Control Arm?

Part of the suspension system, ball joints connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. The joint is able to move, providing mobility to the suspension. It also helps the wheels to move in response to steering. The E46 control arms, for example, provide stability and allow the wheels to turn during steering. There might be two control arms per wheel, depending on the suspension. A failed ball joint can cause the suspension to totally collapse, making you wish you paid attention to the E46 control arm symptoms.

What Is the Lower Control Arm in a Car?

The front suspension features a control arm set. There is an upper arm and, for example, a 2002 BMW 325i lower control arm. If the lower control arm of your 330i fails, it will take away the stability on the lower side, leaving you vulnerable to steering trouble and further suspension damage. Control arms are often sold in sets because mechanics tend to prefer to install a brand new assembly rather than have drivers risk continuing to use old parts.

Control Arm Replacement Costs

The cost of parts, especially for an E46 control arm kit, is often more than for the BMW 330i. The former can run into the hundreds of dollars. Control arms for the 330i are often around $150 for a set, but you may pay more depending on the type of parts. Much can be saved by going to PartsGeek.com. Our reduced overhead and exclusive online sales enable us to pass on low prices to customers. It is a model that lets you pay much less for auto parts than otherwise, and restoring your ride no longer has to be too expensive.