530iaustin

While replacing my front lower control arm (due to clunking noise on sharp bumps) on my 2006 530i, I succumbed into buying the non-OEM part (Febi) for less than half the price of OEM/Lemforder. Deal was too good to pass and I did not see negative reviews for this brand. Ebay description said it was made in Germany

I had driven the car less than 500 miles and heard the control arm make the same clunking noise on driveway lips etc. Took it to Sears, they lifted the car up and the part is lose in the ball joint again. They said it will need to be replaced.

I have now ordered OEM/Lemforder part. When all is said and done, I will pay twice the labor to install the part! Ended up costing me more than going to BMW dealer directly!

Please, if you plan to keep your car (or even if you plan to sell soon), do not buy cheap hoses, suspension or braking parts. The hassle with labor in case of faulty parts is not worth it.

turboawd

why would anyone go to sears? lol they use to be notorious for scamming customers.

Booyaazaa

Take it to a Indy shop that specializes in bmw's.

abe76247

I wouldn't rank Febi with Lemforder but 500 miles is likely a failure from letting the stud spin while installing the ball joint end.

Hyper_545i

Are you sure it is not the swaybar endlinks? They are usually the cause of clunking going over bumps. I replaced my lower / upper control arms and the swaybar endlinks recently. The endinks were shot!!! I used Meyle HD's.

svre46

Febi-Bilstein have been on my car for 8k+ miles. No issues. I have used them in the past on my e46 also with good results. Maybe just a bad part. I used their Arms (wishbone and tension), end links, and tie rod ends.

Shlooky

Sears? Are there no dedicated BMW mechanics where you are?

530iaustin

I took to Sears only for inspection since they check suspension for free. All work was done by an Indy.

While the car was lifted I could grab the wheel, shake it a little bit and clunking noise appeared to be coming from lower control bushing.

turboawd

that seems odd even for a cheap part to wear out that fast. was it pregreased?

txag_530i

I've used several of Febi suspension parts over the years with very good success. I'd say that you received a bad part. Can you get a warranty replacement? Probably not from an eBay seller, but it is worth asking.