[Len_Beach]

I have a 2009 330d with 90k on the clock.

I've developed a knock recently which has been diagnosed as the lower control arm on one side and the the tie rod on the other.

I'm going to have the lower control arms and full tie rod assemblies changed on both sides.

The control arms will be upgraded to the M3 spec items.

Is it worth changing the wishbones to M3 spec items at the same time as I can source both sides for £100?

[gjm120]

I changed both the wishbones and tension struts on my E82 to 1M/M3 parts and it was a big improvement in road feel and steering response. Also, it produced a harder noisier ride which was a bit much with run flats. I went away from run flats since and am really pleased.

Sorry I can't tell you which of the arms gave more improvement and more harshness.

[Len_Beach]

Originally Posted by gjm120

I changed both the wishbones and tension struts on my E82 to 1M/M3 parts and it was a big improvement in road feel and steering response. Also, it produced a harder noisier ride which was a bit much with run flats. I went away from run flats since and am really pleased.

Sorry I can't tell you which of the arms gave more improvement and more harshness.

Thanks for this. I'm running Pilot Super Sports so no issue with the run flat harshness.

Do you know your alignment specs?

[juld0zer]

The lower control arms cause the harshness. But everyone has their own taste and tolerance. Even with PSS i found them harsh but i like my cars sporty yet suitable for daily use

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Len_Beach

Thanks for this. I'm running Pilot Super Sports so no issue with the run flat harshness.

Do you know your alignment specs?

I had an alignment done after changing the arms. Ended up with more toe than I had asked for (wanted close to 0) but didn't feel like arguing as it was within spec. I left the front strut alignment pins in which limits camber.

Front camber: Left / Right -0.40 deg / -0.60 deg
Front toe: 0.18 deg both sides

Rear camber: Left / Right -1.90 deg / -1.80 deg
Rear toe: Left / Right 0.18 deg / 0.21 deg

I've taken a very long road trip since and no noticeable tire wear. Car handles and feels very good. Steering feels a little heavy which I actually like.