BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Set – Modified Auto Parts Front Control Arm Bushing, Polyurethane, for E46 E85 325i 330i Z4 99-06
BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Set – Modified Auto Parts Front Control Arm Bushing, Polyurethane, for E46 E85 325i 330i Z4 99-06
BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Set – Polyurethane Front Bushings in Brackets
This BMW E46 control arm bushing set is a pair of polyurethane front control arm bushings, each already mounted in a silver bracket. The supplier lists it for the BMW E46 and E85, naming the 325i, 330i and Z4 from 1999 to 2006. It is sold as a modified, or upgrade, part: the polyurethane is firmer than the rubber used in standard bushings. Easy Life Markets offers the set for owners who want sharper front-end response or who are tired of replacing soft rubber bushings.
On the E46 and the Z4 that shares its front suspension, the rear end of each front control arm pushes into a bushing held in a bracket that bolts to the body. That bushing controls how much the arm can move forwards and backwards. When it softens or tears, the front wheels shift under braking and over bumps. The steering goes vague, the car follows grooves in the road, and the wheel can shimmy when you brake. It is one of the best-known wear points on these cars.
What You Receive
- 1 set of front control arm bushings
The product photos show the set as two bushings, one for each side, each pressed into a silver bracket with two bolt holes. The bushing has a black outer section and a red centre with a hexagonal bore that takes the end of the control arm. Mounting bolts, grease and instructions are not listed as included.
Specifications
- Product type: Front control arm bushing set, with brackets
- Bushing material: Polyurethane
- Colour: Silver (brackets), with black and red bushing as shown in the photos
- Dimensions shown in the product photo: 134 mm overall and 86 mm across the round housing
- Bore: Hexagonal, as shown in the photos
- Listed models: BMW E46, E85, 325i, 330i, Z4, 1999–2006
- Brand: Unbranded aftermarket
- SKU: CJQT117714601AZ
The supplier gives no hardness rating for the polyurethane and no part numbers, and does not state what the brackets are made of.
Compatibility
The supplier's model line reads: BMW E46 E85 325i 330i Z4 99-06. In plain terms:
- BMW 3 Series E46, 325i and 330i named, 1999–2006
- BMW Z4 E85, within the same year range
That is all the fitment information provided, so some care is needed. Other E46 engines are not named either way. All-wheel-drive xi models and the M3 are not named, and those versions are known to use different front suspension parts, so do not assume this set suits them. Before ordering:
- Confirm your chassis. Check that the car is an E46 or an E85 Z4 by VIN or registration document.
- Compare the bracket. Look at the bracket on your car: two bolt holes on a flat ear, with a round housing for the bushing. Compare it with the photos and with the 134 mm and 86 mm measurements.
- Check the arm end. The rear end of your control arm should be hexagonal to match the bore.
- Ask first. For an xi, an M3 or anything unusual, contact us with your VIN before buying.
Polyurethane Compared with Rubber
The supplier's case for polyurethane is straightforward: it is stronger than standard rubber and lasts longer. Most production cars leave the factory on rubber bushings, which have a limited lifespan. As the rubber gives up, handling gets worse and related parts can wear faster than they should. Polyurethane is the supplier's answer to that, and it says the change improves handling and drivability in many cases.
The honest trade-off is comfort. A firmer bushing passes a little more road noise and vibration into the car than soft rubber does. Most drivers who choose polyurethane accept that in exchange for steering that feels more direct. If a quiet, soft ride is your priority, a standard rubber bushing may suit you better.
Signs the Front Control Arm Bushings Are Worn
- Steering wheel shimmy under braking, typically at motorway speeds
- The car tramlining on rutted roads
- A clunk from the front footwell area over bumps or when braking
- Vague steering just off centre
- Inner edge wear on the front tyres
- Rubber that is visibly cracked, torn or separated when you look at the bushing from below
Fitting Advice
- Each bracket is held to the body by two bolts. With those removed, the old bracket and bushing pull off the end of the control arm, usually with a puller.
- Clean the end of the control arm thoroughly before sliding the new bushing on.
- Follow the lubrication advice for polyurethane: these bushings are normally fitted with a suitable grease, not the soapy water used for rubber. Dry polyurethane can squeak.
- Push the bushing fully home on the arm, then bolt the bracket up and torque the bolts to the BMW figure.
- Check the control arm ball joints while you are there. Worn joints will undo the benefit of new bushings.
- Have the alignment checked afterwards.
These bushings locate the front wheels, so the job has to be done properly. If you do not have a puller, stands and a torque wrench, ask a qualified mechanic to fit them.
Who This Set Suits
E46 and Z4 owners who drive with some enthusiasm, track-day and club drivers, and anyone refreshing an older car who would rather fit a harder-wearing bushing once. It is less suited to someone who wants the car exactly as soft as it left the factory.
Common Questions
Do the bushings come in their brackets? Yes, as shown in the product photos, each bushing is supplied in a silver bracket.
Is this a genuine BMW part? No. It is an unbranded aftermarket upgrade part and not a genuine part of the vehicle maker.
Will it make the ride harsher? Slightly firmer, yes. That is normal for polyurethane.
Buy the BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Set at Easy Life Markets
Order the set here. The current price and availability are shown on this page. Our return and refund policy explains how returns work.
Related Products
See more in our bushings, control arms and suspension and steering collections.
Product Photos
