Front control arm ball joint

[m3f_kyrix1st]

I've seen some threads on guys replacing with E30 or E46 Meyle HD ones, but none of them seem to state "fits M3 models". Does anyone know what the mechanical difference is between non-M and M control arms?

[m3f_bluptgm3]

E36 non-M Forward Lower Control Arms contain an isolated outer ball joint and fit in a 46mm hole.

E36 M FLCA have a solid outer ball joint and fit in a 41mm hole.

E30M3 steel and aluminum FLCAs have solid inner BJs and solid outer BJs (and same geometry as E36 318/323/325/328 and 1995 M3.)

The press in replacements from the E30 are both solid and fit in the 1995M3 and 1996+M3 FLCAs.

However, geometrically, the 1996+M3 FLCA has different geometry than the E36 318/323/325/328 and 1995 M3.


I have not seen form confirmation that the E30 BJs fit in the outer BJ location of the E36 non-M FLCAs.

I also don't have conformation the inner E30 BJ is smaller than the E36 Non-M and/or E36 M FLCA.

My understanding is that the E30 M3 FLCAs are the same geometry as the 1995 E36 M3 FLCAs, something has to be different as they both have solid BJs but carry different p/n's.


The guys replacing the BJs of their E36 M3 FLCAs (both 1995 and 1996+ model year arms) feel confidant that there is no issue.


https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ement-with-E30


https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...E36-M3-spindle

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[m3f_M_Parallel]

And just for the record. 3.2 control arms are totally different from M3 3.0/non-M, as it's shaped to increase caster.


On side pics you can see the front wheel on 3.2's isn't centered and also has wheelbase listed as 2710mm vs 2700mm for all other E36's.

[m3f_Braymond141]

The ball joints fit and are the same size. Many of us have been using this method to refurbish the arms for years (credit to whoever figured it out). There's no difference in the ball joint, only the arms differ.

[m3f_Jrrrrrrr]

One user PMed me claiming he attempted the DIY replacement, but found there was a difference in the balljoint bore size for the front control arms of his 1995 car. That was the one contrary account I've ever seen on this subject, and I bet if that user had a problem, there was some other explanation like 3-series control arms on his/her M3, or buying the wrong P/N balljoints.. The overriding consensus of 1995 owners in the DIY thread is that the physical difference between 1995 and 96-99 front control arms doesn't matter - the bore sizes for the balljoints are the same, so the 31121126254 and 31121126253 balljoints press into all of the 1995-1999 e36 M3 FCAs.



http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=402063

[m3f_M_Parallel]

Of course does the physical difference matter.


They each use different control arm bushings. You can't just mix stuff.

[m3f_bluptgm3]

And just for the record. 3.2 control arms are totally different from M3 3.0/non-M, as it's shaped to increase caster.


On side pics you can see the front wheel on 3.2's isn't centered and also has wheelbase listed as 2710mm vs 2700mm for all other E36's.

I believe the control arm and spindle attach point geometry was revised forward relative to the wheel bearing shaft (for increased King Pin Inclination which increases camber at full steering lock.) The lower pad for the two strut attach bolts grew in thickness adding ~ 1 degree of camber (245/40-17 tires on 8.5 inch rims with ET41 backspace need spacers to fit, spacers not required on 1995M3). FLCA Bushings are centered on 1996M3 combined with revisions to the bearing plate/guide support subtracted the added spindle camber and added back caster subtracted by centered FLCABs.


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[m3f_M_Parallel]

Yes the kingpin/hub is also different and so are the topmounts.


I use the 3.0 setup on my 328i, solid balljoint control arm, topmounts and excentric lower bushes. Stock hub/kingpin. Added the reinforcement plates.


My 3.2...well it uses the factory setup.

[m3f_NLZN]

Pressed new balljoints on my m3 over the winter myself, running them all season thrashing in autox.. so far, no problems.

[m3f_Jrrrrrrr]

Of course does the physical difference matter.



They each use different control arm bushings. You can't just mix stuff.

Obviously I was only talking about the physical differences in the '95 and '96-99 FCAs not mattering in terms of balljoint fitment.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

Obviously I was only talking about the physical differences in the '95 and '96-99 FCAs not mattering in terms of balljoint fitment.

I wasn't talking about the balljoints neither.



The later arms are shaped differently, so you can't just take a 3.2 arm and slap it on a 3.0.

[m3f_bluptgm3]

Of course does the physical difference matter.


They each use different control arm bushings. You can't just mix stuff.

LOL!!! Oddly that is what BimmerWorld promoted, 1996+M3 spindles/kingpins for all E36.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensio...SABEgJ8HvD_BwE

These and Meyle HD FLCAs. (HDs have same geometry as ALL E36 except 1996+M3.


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[m3f_M_Parallel]

LOL!!! Oddly that is what BimmerWorld promoted, 1996+M3 spindles/kingpins for all E36.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensio...SABEgJ8HvD_BwE

These and Meyle HD FLCAs. (HDs have same geometry as ALL E36 except 1996+M3.



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Just because something is promoted makes it good?



You can of course use them, if you match it with the rest of tje components.

[m3f_Nick325xiT 5spd]

Just because something is promoted makes it good?



You can of course use them, if you match it with the rest of tje components.

Offset control arm bushing plus standard geometry control arm is equivalent to '96+ control arm with the standard centered bushing last I checked.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

Offset control arm bushing plus standard geometry control arm is equivalent to '96+ control arm with the standard centered bushing last I checked.

Don't know*, could be. But that only supports my point that you don't want to only use 3.2 arms and keep the offset bushings. That is what I said all the time by not wanting to mix up arms and rest, but change all matching parts.



*actually I do know. As the wheelbase is 10mm more on the 3.2, the arm must be different. If it's like you say, wheelbase would be equal, which is not the case.

Unless, this is purely a result of the different hub/kingpin/upright.