135i M3 Control Arms Problems

alexsull · 07-28-2021, 01:32 PM

Hi all,

I have a 2011 135i. I had M3 front upper and lower control arms installed by a reputable shop that torqued everything at ride height and gave me a good alignment. This was 6 months ago.

Ever since then, I have had a vibration through the steering wheel at 50 mph and above which worsens the faster I go. Before the M3 control arms, my car felt smooth and stable at tripe digit speeds. It gets worse exponentially so anything around tripe digit speeds is pretty bad. Below 50 mph, the car feels fine.

I had the suspension checked multiple times by BMW and I bought new Apex wheels and had all four wheels/tires road force balanced.

Any suggestions? I have researched and do not see many other people with this issue after installing M3 control arms.

Thanks for any help!

Bullitt · 08-03-2021, 09:05 PM

Could be a bad wheel bearing. Check to see if it changes when turning the steering wheel slightly. If it gets worse or disappears, then it’s likely that.

alexsull · 08-04-2021, 08:23 AM

Good idea, I will check the wheel bearings.

Has anyone else experienced increased vibration through the steering wheel at highway speeds after installing M3 control arms? I understand some increased NVH is normal but this seems excessive.

chrisc3 · 04-08-2023, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexsull

Good idea, I will check the wheel bearings.

Has anyone else experienced increased vibration through the steering wheel at highway speeds after installing M3 control arms? I understand some increased NVH is normal but this seems excessive.

I have the exact same issue

fast1eddy · 04-11-2023, 10:11 AM

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0813

It’s going to be #6 the radius rod that’s causing the problem. Was it tightened at ride height is the first thing I’d check for. It would be pretensioned if tightened while suspension is hanging. Be aware that these do add a fair amount of NVH although with mine I didn’t notice any instability as you describe. I did take them off and switch back to stock as they added too much harshness on the shitty roads I drive on. My stock ones are now worn to the point I may try the M ones again to see if I can live with it. I did like the improved steering feel and preciseness when cornering.
I’ll report back once I get them on.

07-28-2021, 01:32 PM	#1
alexsull Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 135i, Honda S2000 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	135i M3 Control Arms Problems Hi all, I have a 2011 135i. I had M3 front upper and lower control arms installed by a reputable shop that torqued everything at ride height and gave me a good alignment. This was 6 months ago. Ever since then, I have had a vibration through the steering wheel at 50 mph and above which worsens the faster I go. Before the M3 control arms, my car felt smooth and stable at tripe digit speeds. It gets worse exponentially so anything around tripe digit speeds is pretty bad. Below 50 mph, the car feels fine. I had the suspension checked multiple times by BMW and I bought new Apex wheels and had all four wheels/tires road force balanced. Any suggestions? I have researched and do not see many other people with this issue after installing M3 control arms. Thanks for any help!
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08-03-2021, 09:05 PM	#2
Bullitt Major 91 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (18) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	Could be a bad wheel bearing. Check to see if it changes when turning the steering wheel slightly. If it gets worse or disappears, then it’s likely that.
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08-04-2021, 08:23 AM	#3
alexsull Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 135i, Honda S2000 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Good idea, I will check the wheel bearings. Has anyone else experienced increased vibration through the steering wheel at highway speeds after installing M3 control arms? I understand some increased NVH is normal but this seems excessive.
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04-11-2023, 10:11 AM	#5
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]	https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0813 It’s going to be #6 the radius rod that’s causing the problem. Was it tightened at ride height is the first thing I’d check for. It would be pretensioned if tightened while suspension is hanging. Be aware that these do add a fair amount of NVH although with mine I didn’t notice any instability as you describe. I did take them off and switch back to stock as they added too much harshness on the shitty roads I drive on. My stock ones are now worn to the point I may try the M ones again to see if I can live with it. I did like the improved steering feel and preciseness when cornering. I’ll report back once I get them on.
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