M3 Control Arm upgrade?

Mystery · 10-06-2023, 11:25 AM

This car is my DD with 119k kms. My thrust arms are worn. I'm debating upgrading to the M3 components as many do, since I need to replace the thrust arms anyways.

Question to those who have performed this upgrade in the GTA: Did you notice any negative outcomes (NVH) after installing given how fucking terrible our roads are? (esp in the core) I don't track this car - should i just keep it stock? Any input would greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

asbrr · 10-06-2023, 12:50 PM

Go back and look at some old posts of mine (in the suspension forum, on mobile not easy to look up right now), I had a 2010 128i Sport package car, and I did the M-control arm upgrade up front (2 per side). The impact harshness went up significantly after the upgrade. Sure the feedback and feel were great but I hated the sacrifice, and the upgrade to me wasn't worth it.

Some people say it's the tension strut arm that has most impact in ride harshness. I can't confirm or deny that...but...I hated the final result.

If you're not tracking and/or were happy with the feel prior, just go with OE replacements in my opinion.

Mystery · 10-06-2023, 02:24 PM

Thanks for the info. Exactly the type of feedback I was looking for.

fast1eddy · 10-06-2023, 06:27 PM

It’s definitely the thrust arms that add NVH. Controls arms add camber and zero NVH. I switched my M3 thrust arms back to stock because I couldn’t handle the NVH they added. My stocks recently wore out and I went with Meyle HD replacements. They are a good compromise between soft stock and too stiff M3.

10-06-2023, 11:25 AM	#1
Mystery New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport DCT, Hypermotard Join Date: May 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	M3 Control Arm upgrade? This car is my DD with 119k kms. My thrust arms are worn. I'm debating upgrading to the M3 components as many do, since I need to replace the thrust arms anyways. Question to those who have performed this upgrade in the GTA: Did you notice any negative outcomes (NVH) after installing given how fucking terrible our roads are? (esp in the core) I don't track this car - should i just keep it stock? Any input would greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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10-06-2023, 12:50 PM	#2
asbrr Major 545 Rep 1,233 Posts Drives: 2014 335ix M-Sport Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Go back and look at some old posts of mine (in the suspension forum, on mobile not easy to look up right now), I had a 2010 128i Sport package car, and I did the M-control arm upgrade up front (2 per side). The impact harshness went up significantly after the upgrade. Sure the feedback and feel were great but I hated the sacrifice, and the upgrade to me wasn't worth it. Some people say it's the tension strut arm that has most impact in ride harshness. I can't confirm or deny that...but...I hated the final result. If you're not tracking and/or were happy with the feel prior, just go with OE replacements in my opinion.
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10-06-2023, 02:24 PM	#3
Mystery New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport DCT, Hypermotard Join Date: May 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info. Exactly the type of feedback I was looking for.
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10-06-2023, 06:27 PM	#4
fast1eddy First Lieutenant 270 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Lemans Blue Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00] [0.00]	It’s definitely the thrust arms that add NVH. Controls arms add camber and zero NVH. I switched my M3 thrust arms back to stock because I couldn’t handle the NVH they added. My stocks recently wore out and I went with Meyle HD replacements. They are a good compromise between soft stock and too stiff M3.
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