Adjustable Rear Camber Arms — Which ones do we like these days?

[George Hill]

BW are sealed ball joints using an OEM part. I swapped from the ECS ones, which were actually quite nice, to the BW ones to remove another rubber bushing from my suspension. So not sure why people are only mentioning GC as having sealed ball joints.

IMO the issue with the BW is that the jam nut you have to un screw to allow camber adjustment is above the exhaust on the LH side which makes it a huge pain to access.

Look at the GC arms and you'll see the adjustment is at the very outboard end where there is lots of access.

[Slideways]

IMO the issue with the BW is that the jam nut you have to un screw to allow camber adjustment is above the exhaust on the LH side which makes it a huge pain to access.

Look at the GC arms and you'll see the adjustment is at the very outboard end where there is lots of access.

Is it possible to access that upper jam nut with the stock section 2 in place? BW said that they usually have a single pipe section 1 for the track cars and it makes it easier to reach that location.

[George Hill]

Is it possible to access that upper jam nut with the stock section 2 in place? BW said that they usually have a single pipe section 1 for the track cars and it makes it easier to reach that location.

We have, but its tough and it kind of leaves you wondering if you tightened it enough.

I've had clients saw the alignment shop had to lower the exhaust as well.

[specializedbndt]

As much as it pains me to give ECS credit, I found theirs to be pretty nice. Theyre stout and look great.

[Nate047]

SPL seems to be great so far.

[LSB4Me]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I’m leaning towards the GC setup, mainly because I’m going to run their street camber plates up front and like the idea of having matching parts.

If I’m going to be upset by wear, NVH or road feedback issues, please let me know.

[LSB4Me]

IMO the issue with the BW is that the jam nut you have to un screw to allow camber adjustment is above the exhaust on the LH side which makes it a huge pain to access.

Look at the GC arms and you'll see the adjustment is at the very outboard end where there is lots of access.

Thanks, George. The outward adjustment of the GC arms is a big plus, even if they will only be used a handful of times.

Do you have any reason to counsel me away from the GCs?

[George Hill]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I’m leaning towards the GC setup, mainly because I’m going to run their street camber plates up front and like the idea of having matching parts.

If I’m going to be upset by wear, NVH or road feedback issues, please let me know.

Thanks, George. The outward adjustment of the GC arms is a big plus, even if they will only be used a handful of times.

Do you have any reason to counsel me away from the GCs?

Personally I don't usually run GC parts because I have a pet peeve against SAE hardware on a Metric car but this is the one case where I don't think there is anything comparable and we do run the GC arms in those instances.

[LSB4Me]

Personally I don't usually run GC parts because I have a pet peeve against SAE hardware on a Metric car but this is the one case where I don't think there is anything comparable and we do run the GC arms in those instances.

Appreciate the feedback. I agree with you re SAE parts on metric cars.

Will I encounter any noise or comfort reductions with the GC arms or are they relatively silent and compliant?

[George Hill]

Factory is stamped steel and a bushing so going to a solid arm and a ball joint will increase NVH. Whether you are able to perceive it or not is specific to each person, I can't.

As a comparison, on a non-m they have a bushing on the trailing arm end of the LCA whereas the M3 has a ball joint. Pretty much every non-m trailing arm I rebuild gets a ball joints and no one has complained about the NVH, I would expect that change is similar to the change we are discussing.

I think @Bryson could weight in on the NVH, he seems to be someone who is really chasing NVH and he has the GC arms IIRC.

[Arlen4369]

Went with spl so far feels great

[Obioban]

I have the BimmerWorld ones that use the sealed OE monoballs-- same design as the CSL arms. Nice compromise of stiffness and silence IMO.

[0-60motorsports]

I have the BimmerWorld ones that use the sealed OE monoballs-- same design as the CSL arms. Nice compromise of stiffness and silence IMO.

Can you please post a link of the ones you have?

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspension-Steering/Control-Arms/BimmerWorld-Race-Adjustable-Rear-Lower-Control-Arm-Set_2.html

[bigjae46]

I have the older Turner version with the adjustment link near the outboard end. Makes camber adjustments during my at home alignments much easier.

[LSB4Me]

OK guys. I’m still on the fence here, but I have narrowed it down to either the GC or BW arms. Here is why I am torn:

GC Pros: Easier adjustment
GC Cons: Steel (heavy); red (don’t really want them to stand out)

BW Pros: Alloy (lighter); black (won’t stand out)
BW Cons: Tricker adjustment (inner nut seems like a PITA)

On the plus side, I’m a “set it and forget it guy” and my shop will be doing the adjustment(s). This counsels in favor of BW.