[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I think they are close. When I did the m3 control arms front & back, the bolts looked exactly the same. The m3 bolts might be made of a stronger metal to compensate for the increases resistance of the stiffer bushings and natural negative camber of -.75 when you have these arms.

That is right. I just did M3 control arms this past weekend and the old bolts are grade 8. I recall the ones that came with the kit were gr10. I hope I'm remembering correctly because I torqued them to the gr10 spec

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I wouldn't touch Meyle HD. If you want OEM spec, go with Lemforder. I have the M3 arms. No comfort lost.

I just changed to the M3 arms on my E82 and it is a significantly harsher ride. I also swapped out to sport springs and dampers at the same time, but, can't believe that made much difference.

Are you on non-run flats? I'm still on RFT's and maybe that is why.

None the less, I like the better steering feel and tightness.

[fatjoez]

I think the harshness is more from springs and dampers dude.
Others will be able to advise you better though.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by fatjoez

I think the harshness is more from springs and dampers dude.
Others will be able to advise you better though.

Probably. Either way I need to get off of the run flats. Since I'm going to go a little bit before an alignment so the suspension settles, they are staying on since as somewhat sacrificial.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by gjm120

I just changed to the M3 arms on my E82 and it is a significantly harsher ride. I also swapped out to sport springs and dampers at the same time, but, can't believe that made much difference.

Are you on non-run flats? I'm still on RFT's and maybe that is why.

None the less, I like the better steering feel and tightness.

I'm ditched run flats years ago. When I did mine, I also redid the tie rods too.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I'm ditched run flats years ago. When I did mine, I also redid the tie rods too.

I should've done the tie rods also since I'm going to get an alignment. But in reality most of the suspension that was on the car seemed pretty solid. I think the miles before I bought were mostly highway miles and I've been easy on it. And the car has lived in areas where there is no salting of roads.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by gjm120

I should've done the tie rods also since I'm going to get an alignment. But in reality most of the suspension that was on the car seemed pretty solid. I think the miles before I bought were mostly highway miles and I've been easy on it. And the car has lived in areas where there is no salting of roads.

If your over 100k, it's a good proactive "while your in there" repair.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

If your over 100k, it's a good proactive "while your in there" repair.

Makes sense. I'm just at ~40k so not worried.

Did you have the M3 arms with run-flats or had you switched to non FR before you did the arms?

[fatjoez]

Im at 160k kilometres.
only did torsion arm and lower control arm.

car drives fine now. couldnt even tell before but the mechanic said it needed doing.

[mjn77]

Originally Posted by gjm120

That is right. I just did M3 control arms this past weekend and the old bolts are grade 8. I recall the ones that came with the kit were gr10. I hope I'm remembering correctly because I torqued them to the gr10 spec

I've just cross referenced my parts list with the M3 parts list on bmwfans.info, and i already had the M3 bolt part numbers listed

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mjn77

I've just cross referenced my parts list with the M3 parts list on bmwfans.info, and i already had the M3 bolt part numbers listed

Out of curiosity I looked at the base E82 vs 1M fasteners in question and they are the same parts. Also the bolts that attach at the subframe end are shown as gr8. I guess either gr8 or gr10 will work as long as they are torqued to the right value. At least seems the case for the 128i.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Makes sense. I'm just at ~40k so not worried.

Did you have the M3 arms with run-flats or had you switched to non FR before you did the arms?

I switched out of run flats about 6 months after owning the car back in 2009 and never looked back.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I switched out of run flats about 6 months after owning the car back in 2009 and never looked back.

Thanks. I'm getting closer every day to making the change.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Thanks. I'm getting closer every day to making the change.

If you live in a state that has 4 seasons, you'll need two sets of tires.

Michelin pilot sport A/S 3 +

Or

Continental DWS 06

For 8 months out of the year

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

If you live in a state that has 4 seasons, you'll need two sets of tires.

Michelin pilot sport A/S 3 +

Or

Continental DWS 06

For 8 months out of the year

I could get by year round with all season's easily and actually probably summer tires. Leaning toward all season tires just because I occasionally travel into colder (not really snowy) areas.