Front End: what should be replaced?

[onewhippedpuppy]

There's lots of different front end repair packages, but I want to know, what really will NEED replaced on a 136k car? Thrust arms need done, and I want to replace anything else that's necessary while I'm in there, but I don't have money to waste either. And don't worry, while I've looked at the FCP Groton package, it's only Lemforder or similar for my money pit.:)

[632 Regal]

whats worn? replace in sets and document the mileage when its changed?

[onewhippedpuppy]

All I know for a fact is the thrust arms, because I have the shimmy. Steering is tight, though I do get an occasional thunk when going over bumps with the steering near lock. Really what I'm getting at is, I know what CAN be replaced, but what SHOULD be replaced? The Groton package is upper and lower thrust arms, tie rods, sway bar end links, and an idler arm. Is all this stuff probably shot at my mileage? I want to do this once, and don't have any reciepts for replacement, so I assume it's original. I just don't want to replace stuff that doesn't really wear out. Also, is there anything else that should be done while I have it apart? I already plan on either replacing the Bilsteins or having them rebuilt, because they have 80k on them.

[BigKriss]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E34-Front-Control-Arm-Suspension-Package-M5-Upgrade_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQitemZ802 1325723QQtcZphoto
Thats what your given with the FCP Groton Package.

At your milage and your symptoms it's probably best to replace everything. You would need this plus a center tie rod (track rod), new springs, 3mm lower spring pads on the front, new rubber swaybar bushes and maybe some new strut mounts (or camber plates) for the front. Of course you don't need all of this, this is just what I would do.

[632 Regal]

there are a few people not having good results with the FCP stuff, looks like the ball ends wear out real quickly...there are a few people testing these right now. Personally I would replace it all with good parts and run on for 100k or so.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've seen that too, I don't think it's worth the risk to save a few bucks, I only want to do this once.

[BigKriss]

I wasn't trying to suggest to buy the FCP stuff, just to give you and idea of what to purchase.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I know Kriss, I have that bookmarked on my computer just as a guideline.

The sway bar bushes and center tie rod I can see wearing out because they have bushings, but why change the spring pads and strut mounts?

[BigKriss]

your taking out your shocks so at that time you can replace the spring pads with lower ones to slightly increase the spring travel and make it ride slightly lower. The strut mounts evenutally wear out also, I was suggesting when the struts where out that you replace the mounts with some camber plates.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Makes sense, thanks. Anybody know of good sources for these lower spring pads and camber plates in the US? I'd be curious to get some prices.

[BigKriss]

Makes sense, thanks. Anybody know of good sources for these lower spring pads and camber plates in the US? I'd be curious to get some prices.
Lower spring pads from the dealer or BMA, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD22&mospid=47382&btnr=31_0124&hg=31&fg=10&hl=10 Part Number 8

while here are some camber plate option. I like the Ground Control ones, but they are pricey.

K-Mac
https://secure15.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/product_detail.asp?CS=ireland&RowID=201&All=

Ireland Engineering
Adjustable - fixed and adjustable
http://www.bmw2002.com/

Ground Control
http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=689

OEM
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD22&mospid=47382&btnr=31_0125&hg=31&fg=10

There are plenty of options around.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Thanks again Kriss. Does the OEM camber plate often wear out on a daily driver that doesn't see track time? Those Ground Control ones are works of art, unfortunately they are priced accordingly.

[sdwhitney]

Thanks again Kriss. Does the OEM camber plate often wear out on a daily driver that doesn't see track time? Those Ground Control ones are works of art, unfortunately they are priced accordingly.

When I did my complete front end earlier this year, I used Ebay packages to price, and BMA matched their price pretty close with all Lemforder...

I did upper and lower thrust arms, drag links and tie rods. I also at that time did the m5 sways front and rear with new sway links from BMA.

Call Patrick or Yves and see if they will come close in price match....Doesn't hurt to ask...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Whitney, what do you think of the M5 sways? Did it significantly increase NVH?