Bushes and propshaft coupling

[David1989]

Hi All,

My Z3 needs a little work ahead of a planned 3000 mile driving tour to Italy and back later this year.

At the last service it was recommended that the control arm bushes were replaced due to cracking/splitting and that the propshaft coupling showed signs of wear and cracking.

I’ve got a quote from my local independent BMW garage, I’ve used them a few times and their work is fantastic. They’re suggested replacing the control arm which included bush not just the bush, really necessary?

Their quote is based on BMW original parts and at the moment and comes in as follows:

• Both front lower arm replacement including wheel alignment - £1055 inc VAT
• Replace propshaft coupling - £306 inc VAT

If I go for OE parts the price will come down. But is the initial price based on BMW parts in the ballpark or expensive?

Additionally will I notice any massive change in drive etc? Can’t say I’ve noticed any problem, but being 20+ years old I guess these things just need replacing eventually.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Dave

 

[ChrisD]

Hi All,

My Z3 needs a little work ahead of a planned 3000 mile driving tour to Italy and back later this year.

At the last service it was recommended that the control arm bushes were replaced due to cracking/splitting and that the propshaft coupling showed signs of wear and cracking.

I’ve got a quote from my local independent BMW garage, I’ve used them a few times and their work is fantastic. They’re suggested replacing the control arm which included bush not just the bush, really necessary?

Their quote is based on BMW original parts and at the moment and comes in as follows:

• Both front lower arm replacement including wheel alignment - £1055 inc VAT
• Replace propshaft coupling - £306 inc VAT

If I go for OE parts the price will come down. But is the initial price based on BMW parts in the ballpark or expensive?

Additionally will I notice any massive change in drive etc? Can’t say I’ve noticed any problem, but being 20+ years old I guess these things just need replacing eventually.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Dave

To me, that’s a decent price if using genuine BMW parts and the workshop is a good, experienced and trusted place.
It’s usual to replace the control arms when working on the lower front suspension. It’s all near or at end-of-life condition so it’s best to get it replaced.
You should notice a feeling of a ‘tighter’ front end once done. If you don’t currently experience any issues then it may not be a night and day difference but it should just generally feel better.
You can certainly get it done cheaper, using decent aftermarket parts and experience similar results. That will be up to you, what it’s worth to you and how much you’re willing to spend.
What you will end up with is peace of mind that, up in those twisty Italian mountain roads, hundreds of miles from home that your vehicle has been inspected and maintained to the best degree possible.
Good luck with the trip - it’s always good to see a write up with photos on the forum.

 

[Delk]

Sounds a lot to me but I am lucky enough to be able to do my own work and not pay labour rates.

You can look the part numbers up on realoem and then check prices on auto doc or some other website and find quality branded items.

Front arms with ball joints are around 100 pounds depending on brand. You would still need the lollypop bushings and an alignment. Labour is expensive so that does add up. A propshaft guibo joint is only around 40 pounds.

 

[AntStark]

Meyle HD are generally considered a top notch alternative to genuine bmw parts for the front end. Used by many on here and quite a bit cheaper.

 

[Delk]

Autodoc has the entire set of Meyle HD arms with lolypops for less then 190 pounds at the moment. That leaves 850 pounds for labour and alignment.
MEYLE 316 050 0023/HD

 

[AntStark]

Worth getting new track rod ends at the same time

 

[Andyboy]

• Both front lower arm replacement including wheel alignment - £1055 inc VAT
• Replace propshaft coupling - £306 inc VAT

Bloody hell

BMW don't make control arms or prop couplings. They're made by the likes of TRW.

I favour febi Bilstein - they basically rebox and distribute OE parts. You're looking at about £230 for both febi arms and 3 hours labour plus wheel alignment which you may or may not need.

Tbh, if the arm balljoints are okay I'd just replace the rear bushes.

A febi prop coupling is 50 quid.

 

[David1989]

Hi All,

Many thanks for the detailed info, really is appreciated. I went back an asked for quote based on OE quality parts as opposed to from BMW (which from above seems just to be branded BMW anyway) and revised cost is below which is sharp reduction.

• Both front lower arm replacement including wheel alignment - £735 inc VAT
• Replace propshaft coupling - £200 inc VAT

 

[Andyboy]

Still waaaaay too much!

If it’s not causing you any problems, save your £1000.