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      10-16-2011, 10:50 AM   #1
snowfro
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Drives: 1991 318i
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Houston, TX

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DIY: X3 (E83) Replacing front wishbone/control arms

I figure at 106,000 miles it might be time to start reworking the suspension components. My 2004 x3 was feeling kind of loose and jerky when stopping fast and taking corners. I decided to start by replacing one of the control arms in the front. DIY attached.

After the replacement the suspension feels infinitely better and tighter. The car felt loose before now it is back to like when I bought it. I spent about $250 on parts total, it was worth every penny!

Oh and this is my first DIY. There is limited info out there for the x3 so I hope it is useful although I'd appreciate some feedback so that the next person that reads it might actually be able to make some use out of it. I'll be happy to revise it with your comments.

I'm still a little confused what to even call this part. RealOEM says wishbone but a few others have called it the upper control arm (as in if you're looking at the knuckle it attached at the slightly higher of two points).

Yeah and I am not a mechanic or expert in any way.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf Replacing front lower control arm.pdf (539.7 KB, 4596 views)
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1984 325e "Lemon" in progress
1991 325i
2004 x3 manual
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