Hi Group, I recently bought a 2006 BMW 530XI with 140000 Miles on it. It has some issues but I will be fixing them one by one. passed Emiision inspection but failed Mechanical inspection. I am familiar with BMW's. My E46 has 250000 Miles on it.

Mechanic wanted $1600 to replace front end control parts and I pulled my car away from him. .

If you don't mind, I have a few questions.

1. The Trust Arm, is original and has some play. Can I just replace the Bushing ( Press in and out) instead of replacing the entire arm
2. What brand other than OEM BMW part are reliable? .

 

When you remove that thrust arm with the intent to replace only the bushing, you might find out the ball joint end is worn out as well.

Recently I bought the entire Meyle thrust control arm and didn't risk it.

 

Yes you can just buy bushings and press them in. Many have done that, I did it last year. At 145,000 km my E61's front ball joints were nice and solid so I had no reason to replace the arm. FCP Euro is great to order from since they always have a lifetime warranty. They also list which brands are OE and OEM. But most places do that (ECS, Pelican, etc.).

 

The ball joint is also detachable. The bushing can be pressed out. Please post results here because I have 2 bushings laying around that I need to press in/out.

 

Usually its best to do the entire arm while you're at it so you don't have to worry about going back in there later. If you don't care about that then just do the bushings.

 

Well, Lady luck is not on my side. I think my parts are in some warehouse in California locked up. They won't ship it. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Got my parts today. I will let you guys know how it went. I need a dry day.