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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Thrust Control Arm Bushing Replacement Advice
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      07-15-2021, 11:47 PM   #1
J-Pizzle
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Thrust Control Arm Bushing Replacement Advice

Went in for my oil service on my 2014 550ix and the stealership noted that my thrust control arm bushing is failing and requires replacement. I was searching around this forum and didn't see any prior posts... has someone had this service done previously? Dealer is asking for $1200+ plus $250 alignment to get it replaced. I assume this service replaces both sides at once? Is that an accurate price or should I look at an independent shop?

I have not noticed any effect on my suspension or handling. However they said it has cracked and is leaking. Would it leave residue on the garage floor?

Any guidance is appreciated.
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      07-16-2021, 08:35 AM   #2
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Thrust arm bushings are indeed wear items and the prices are typical dealer quotes. I've had mine replaced twice already in ~65K miles due to poor roads.

You can easily buy entire new arms online for ~$250 each and have an independent shop replace + alignment for less. Or much less if you opt to replace the bushings only + alignment.
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      07-16-2021, 08:48 AM   #3
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You're not alone. These commonly fail around 60-70K mark. My dealer quoted me $1k to replace one side, which needless to say is ridiculous. My breakdown was $450 for the part, labor, and alignment.

The thing is, the original part is made by Lemforder which you can buy from FCP Euro for $125. It's the same identical part since Lemforder is the OE supplier for BMW. If you're handy with cars, it's on the medium difficultly scale. Took me about 1.5 hrs each side for a total cost of $300 (with some additional BMW nuts and bolts). If you can find an indy shop that uses Lemforder instead of BMW stamped Lemforder parts, it should's cost you more than $800 for both sides to have them do it for you.

I'm not sure why the alignment is honestly needed - the thrust arm doesn't have much impact on wheel alignment.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rm-31126777733
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rm-31126777734
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      07-16-2021, 12:19 PM   #4
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I second this ^. I got an alignment after and everything was still in spec. I bought these Lem. and did it at home as well. Pretty quick once you get the under tray out. I have heard these Lem. are not as durable as the OEM though? I bought it from FCP, so can always exchange.
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      07-16-2021, 12:30 PM   #5
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Thanks everyone for the feedback, I am fairly handy and have done some mechanical work, but unfortunately I lack the tools to do a proper job on it. Is the guidance to replace both sides simultaneously? Or that does not matter?
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      07-16-2021, 12:40 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Pizzle View Post
Thanks everyone for the feedback, I am fairly handy and have done some mechanical work, but unfortunately I lack the tools to do a proper job on it. Is the guidance to replace both sides simultaneously? Or that does not matter?
Yes you should replace both at the same time. It will only add 15-30 mins to do the other side.
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      07-16-2021, 03:33 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spielnicht View Post
If you can find an indy shop that uses Lemforder instead of BMW stamped Lemforder parts, it should's cost you more than $800 for both sides to have them do it for you.

I'm not sure why the alignment is honestly needed - the thrust arm doesn't have much impact on wheel alignment.
Exactly! I just had mine done by an indy, both sides, and it cost me $950 CAD. As you know, everything is more expensive in Canada (except maybe maple syrup)! No alignment was necessary and the front end noticeably tightened up. As an aside, my car has 160K kms, which is about 100K miles, and this was the first time I had the bushings replaced.
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      07-16-2021, 06:31 PM   #8
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This job is easy and if you want to upgrade at the same time this is an option here… this will also show you the install…

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      07-16-2021, 07:50 PM   #9
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Damn Brow, clean that workbench!!! hahaha
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      07-16-2021, 08:58 PM   #10
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I just replaced these myself, in my driveway, in about two hours. I used Lemforder parts that looked identical to the OE parts, same numbers cast in and everything. I posted it here:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=27760240

Both bushings shipped to Canada for $80 tax and shipping included. Any shop charging more than $300 for this job is profiting handsomely!
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      07-27-2021, 01:02 PM   #11
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Update: Just had an independent shop replace both thrust arm bushings for $600 OTD including a 10% discount they gave me for being a BMWCCA member. Since the dealership quoted me $1200+ for this service I feel like I got away relatively inexpensively.
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      07-27-2021, 06:10 PM   #12
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Thanks for the update! Any improvements in ride and handling?
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      07-28-2021, 12:46 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Angel View Post
Thanks for the update! Any improvements in ride and handling?
Well, I feel as the front end is a little tighter now with the bushings replaced, and when i make an aggressive turn it feels a little more solid if that makes sense. However, it's not as noticeable to me as one poster mentioned above and it seems fairly subtle.

Keep in mind that I am not tracking/modding and not an overly aggressive driver. YMMV.
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      07-28-2021, 01:03 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Pizzle View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Angel View Post
Thanks for the update! Any improvements in ride and handling?
Well, I feel as the front end is a little tighter now with the bushings replaced, and when i make an aggressive turn it feels a little more solid if that makes sense. However, it's not as noticeable to me as one poster mentioned above and it seems fairly subtle.

Keep in mind that I am not tracking/modding and not an overly aggressive driver. YMMV.
That sounds about right for a stock swap, if you go with the monoball bearings you'll notice a huge difference.
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      07-28-2021, 11:09 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Pizzle View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Angel View Post
Thanks for the update! Any improvements in ride and handling?
Well, I feel as the front end is a little tighter now with the bushings replaced, and when i make an aggressive turn it feels a little more solid if that makes sense. However, it's not as noticeable to me as one poster mentioned above and it seems fairly subtle.

Keep in mind that I am not tracking/modding and not an overly aggressive driver. YMMV.
Pretty much exactly how I feel after replacing mine. As well, I think the front end is better controlled over bumps and seems to handle sharp impacts smoother.

It is a subtle improvement overall, but it's there.
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