BMW Lower Forward Control Arms | xDrive 528i 535i 550i 650i

BMW lower forward control arms, front left and right pair

BMW Lower Forward Control Arms – 2PCS Front Left & Right W/ Ball Joint Replacement for BMW 528i 535i 550i 640i 650i 750i xDrive

Dhs. 460.63

BMW Lower Forward Control Arms – Front Left and Right Pair with Ball Joints

These BMW lower forward control arms are sold as a front pair, one for the left and one for the right, each with its ball joint fitted. The supplier lists them for xDrive versions of the 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series, including the 528i, 535i, 550i, 640i, 650i and 750i, and gives BMW reference numbers 31124081431 and 31124081432 among others. Easy Life Markets sells the two arms together, because on these cars the left and right arms wear at much the same rate.

BMW uses two lower arms on each side of the front axle of these models, rather than a single wishbone. The forward one runs from the subframe to the bottom of the wheel carrier at an angle and takes most of the braking and acceleration loads. In BMW catalogues it is often called a tension strut or thrust arm. It has a ball joint at the wheel end and a large bushing at the body end, and both wear out. When they do, the steering wheel shakes under braking and the front of the car feels less precise. Wikipedia has a short article on the control arm if you want to see how the part fits into the suspension.

Package Contents

2 x front lower forward control arm with ball joint (1 left, 1 right)

The supplier lists only the two arms. Bolts, nuts and fitting instructions are not listed as included. BMW normally specifies new fasteners for suspension work, so order those separately.

Specifications

Product type: Front lower forward control arm with ball joint, pair
Position: Front axle, lower, forward, left and right
Quantity: 2 pieces
Reference numbers, group 1: CMS101358, MS101358, RK621979, K621979, 31124081431, 31124083309
Reference numbers, group 2: CMS101357, MS101357, RK623381, K623381, 31124081432, 31124083310
Further reference numbers: 31126777729, 31126777733, 31126777730, 31126777734
Brand: Unbranded aftermarket
SKU: CJQT311670701AZ

The supplier does not state the material, finish, weight or length of the arms, and does not say which number group belongs to which side, so we leave those details out instead of guessing.

Supplier Fitment List

The supplier lists this pair for the front lower forward position on the following BMW models:

528i xDrive, 2012–2016
535d xDrive, 2014–2016
535i xDrive, 2011–2016
535i GT xDrive, 2011–2017
550i xDrive, 2011–2016
550i GT xDrive, 2010–2017
640i xDrive, 2014–2018
640i xDrive Gran Coupe, 2014–2019
650i xDrive, 2012–2018
650i xDrive Gran Coupe, 2013–2019
740Ld xDrive, 2015
740Li xDrive, 2013–2015
750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive, 2010–2015
750i, 2011–2012, full hybrid (FHEV) only
750Li, 2012, full hybrid (FHEV) only
Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe, 2015–2019
Alpina B7 xDrive, 2012–2015, all-wheel drive only
Alpina B7L xDrive, 2012–2015

Almost every entry is an xDrive car. That is the detail to watch: on these BMW platforms the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions use different front suspension parts, so a rear-drive 535i or 550i is not on the list.

How to Confirm These Arms Match Your Car

Check the drive type. Look for the xDrive badge, or confirm it in your registration document.
Decode your VIN. Enter the last seven characters in an online BMW parts catalogue and open the front axle diagram. Compare the part numbers it gives with the reference numbers above.
Read the number on the old arm. It is usually cast or stamped into the arm itself.
Still unsure? Contact us with your VIN before ordering.

When the Forward Arms Are Worn

Steering wheel shimmy when braking from motorway speed, even with good discs
A knock from the front when changing between drive and reverse or pulling away
The car tramlining or following ruts in the road
Fluid leaking from the large bushing, or visible cracks in its rubber
Inner edge wear on the front tyres

Brake shimmy on these cars is very often blamed on the discs when the real cause is the forward arm bushing. If new discs did not cure it, look here next.

Fitting Notes

Raise and support the car securely, and remove the undertray for access.
Release the ball joint from the wheel carrier with a suitable separator instead of a hammer, to avoid damaging the carrier.
Do the final tightening of the bushing bolt with the suspension at normal ride height. BMW publishes the procedure; tightening the bolt with the wheel hanging preloads the bushing and wears it out early.
Use new nuts and bolts where BMW specifies them, and the torque figures for your model.
Finish with a wheel alignment.

These arms carry braking forces, so mistakes matter. If you are not equipped for the job, have a qualified mechanic or BMW specialist fit them.

Who This Pair Is For

It suits owners of xDrive 5, 6 and 7 Series cars chasing a brake shimmy or a front-end knock, independent BMW workshops, and anyone refreshing the front suspension who wants both sides done with matching parts.

Common Questions

Will they fit a rear-wheel-drive 5 Series? The supplier's list covers xDrive models, plus the 750i and 750Li full hybrid in the years shown. Rear-drive petrol and diesel cars are not listed.

Are these genuine BMW parts? No. They are unbranded aftermarket arms. The BMW numbers are given as cross-references only, and this is not a genuine part of the vehicle maker.

Do I get the other lower arm too? No. This pair covers the forward lower position only. The rearward lower arm is a separate part.

Buy the BMW Lower Forward Control Arms at Easy Life Markets

You can order the left and right pair on this page. The current price and availability are shown on this page. Our return and refund policy explains what to do if the parts turn out not to match your car.