Genuine arms or aftermarket ??

[steve1986]

Hi Guys,

I require the front lower arms/bushes replacing on my x5 as i have a knocking noise over bumps, movement when breaking and the arms can be twisted by hand, i was just wondering what other people have done in the past, if they have just replaced bushes or whole arms and if they used genuine or aftermarket parts.

I think BMW do a valueline kit with both of the front arms, has anybody else used this.

Thanks Again

[Steamyrotter]

I used an Aftermarket full kit on mine
Not had an issue with them (yet!!)

:-[

[steve1986]

Thanks for your reply.

Is there anyone that does a full kit or do you have to look them up separately. Who did you use for your ones.

Thanks
Steve

[Greydog]

I brought mine from Ebay both front arms drop links and bottom swivel joints the kit was about £140 that was over a year ago though. Rear stuff, swing arm bushes rose joints drop links and top arms all came from a local Motor Factor (rose joints and swing arm bushes were in Lemforder boxes.
Several people said they wont last!! Well the OEM version will only last about 60-70K from my experience so not much to lose.
I didn't have to change the bottom swivel joint thank goodness as even the BMW specialist I use said this is the worst job on an X5 and he's got all the kit. He also advised not torquing up the lower arms until the wheels are on and car on the ground apparently if its done with the suspension extended the bushes get twisted and fail quickly.
We changed everything then dropped the car down and drove it onto ramps to get room for the torque wrench and my son (younger, bendier and more muscles) under the car.

[Steamyrotter]

Got mine as a complete front end kit from a  seller in Germany
About the £150 mark.


Just remember to have the suspension at near ride height before tightening everything up otherwise you will reduce the life of the bushes due to the twisting moment.

[AVI-8]

Don't buy the cheap ones off eBay, the bushes won't last 20,000 miles, I did on my e39 and had to replace them again, get a quality make, Meyle are very good ..... I should get a commission from them the amount of times I've recommended them, suspension arms seems to be one of the most common problems with these cars, they need to be good or they ruin the good handling and steering precision ... Not to mention the steering shake when braking.