M3/1M Front Control Arms: Not That Good?

[N54Yankee]

About 4 years I did the front M3 controls arms and alignment which gave me some more neg camber and that's all I did suspension wise. The difference in handling was clearly better then stock with much less push. On/off ramps turned from somewhat hesitant to go in too hot to confident enjoyment. I'm satisfied with the improvement and that's all I plan on doing, it's my DD and handles well enough to keep me smiling when the roads get twisty.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by duder13

Argh, my mistake. I was mixing up the guide rod and the upper arm. I’ll have to pick up a set of those rods.

You are correct on the upper arms, they aren't much of an upgrade.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

The rear guide rods are definitely worth your while to do.

Just look at the none M and M comparison:

https://www.hpashop.com/BMW-Rear-Gui...?categoryId=-1

Is an alignment needed after doing only the guide rods?

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Is an alignment needed after doing only the guide rods?

No, no alignment required. However, if you are replacing a defective one from wear and tear or accident, then you should at least check your alignment.

[MightyMouseTech]

Just to add to this thread.

I am a BMW front end tech, I have also been building and racing cars for almost 30 years.

Putting the M3 arms in the front of my car was one of the first, and best things I have done to my car.

[juld0zer]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Just to add to this thread.

I am a BMW front end tech, I have also been building and racing cars for almost 30 years.

Putting the M3 arms in the front of my car was one of the first, and best things I have done to my car.

Is it normal for a concerning amount of harshness over ridges/train tracks after installing the M3 arms, particularly the lower arms?

I am tempted to refit mine but I wonder if mine are for some reason faulty and unusually harsh? The M cars have an aluminium subframe reinforcement which probably explains why the harshness is not as noticeable but it feels like the front suspension is bottoming out or hit the biggest pothole in the world.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Is it normal for a concerning amount of harshness over ridges/train tracks after installing the M3 arms, particularly the lower arms?

I am tempted to refit mine but I wonder if mine are for some reason faulty and unusually harsh? The M cars have an aluminium subframe reinforcement which probably explains why the harshness is not as noticeable but it feels like the front suspension is bottoming out or hit the biggest pothole in the world.

Never had that issue with mine. Did you do an alignment after installing them?

[amg6975]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Is it normal for a concerning amount of harshness over ridges/train tracks after installing the M3 arms, particularly the lower arms?

I am tempted to refit mine but I wonder if mine are for some reason faulty and unusually harsh? The M cars have an aluminium subframe reinforcement which probably explains why the harshness is not as noticeable but it feels like the front suspension is bottoming out or hit the biggest pothole in the world.

I noticed quite a lot of increased harshness transmitted to the cabin. I did a bunch of stuff all at once though.

[fast1eddy]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Is it normal for a concerning amount of harshness over ridges/train tracks after installing the M3 arms, particularly the lower arms?

I am tempted to refit mine but I wonder if mine are for some reason faulty and unusually harsh? The M cars have an aluminium subframe reinforcement which probably explains why the harshness is not as noticeable but it feels like the front suspension is bottoming out or hit the biggest pothole in the world.

It is normal. Of course road conditions where you live make a big difference. I'm considering refitting my stock lower arms. My wife now hates driving in my car. The handling and steering feel is sublime though.

[a4nut]

Originally Posted by fast1eddy

It is normal. .My wife now hates driving in my car. The handling and steering feel is sublime though.

That's a win/win right there!!

[SayHack]

I like mine. I still have to take my car for alignment , but i did best to do an alignment in my driveway for now. The stirring does feel heavier at low speeds....possibly caster issues that alignment will fix.....But man this puppy can handle in the canyons , i didn't push it too much although.

[ornicar]

Hey, do the longer M3/1M Front Control Arms modify the scrub radius? If yes, do you think we need some spacers to correct it & so what would be the optimal thickness?

[juld0zer]

I'm no expert on this topic but I would imagine the scrub radius is shifted outwards so you'd need a different offset wheel to bring the scrub radius back to where it was.

I'll let the experts explain this one

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

I'm no expert on this topic but I would imagine the scrub radius is shifted outwards so you'd need a different offset wheel to bring the scrub radius back to where it was.

I'll let the experts explain this one

Not an expert, but, it would make complete sense since the M cars have a wider track than our cars. A spacer won't completely correct it, but it will probably help a little.

[One28i]

hi, what is the M car aluminum reinforcement plate that will aid in reducing the harshness with M arms on non M cars? part number or image would help, thank you