E46 ball joint replacement

[MagicMan0027]

Hi everybody

I have a 1999 BMW 323i (e46). I was advised to have the ball joints and control arm bushes replaced. Now my question is - Can the ball joints be replaced seperately or do I have to replace the complete control arm. I have received conflicting advise. Some say yes the ball joints can be replaced and others say NO I have to replace the complete control arm because it is aluminium and the ball joints cannot be pressed out.

I would really appreciate some assistance. Thank you

 

[stiaan]

As far as I know the balljoint can't be replaced, you'll have to buy the control arm.
Think its around R1000 each at Masterparts

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[ChrisBrand]

Hi everybody

I have a 1999 BMW 323i (e46). I was advised to have the ball joints and control arm bushes replaced. Now my question is - Can the ball joints be replaced seperately or do I have to replace the complete control arm. I have received conflicting advise. Some say yes the ball joints can be replaced and others say NO I have to replace the complete control arm because it is aluminium and the ball joints cannot be pressed out.

I would really appreciate some assistance. Thank you

No, you have to replace the entire control arm. I would advise you contact moranor on the forum. He sells a very good upgrade (polyurethane) that lasts much longer than the OEM stuff

 

[samman325]

Balls joints cannot be replaced seperately as stated above. Entire high quality control arms with the bushes are available at reasonable prices as aftermarket replacements.

The stealers are ridiculously expensive.

 

[Philip Foglar]

I would rather just replace the entire low control arm - safer in the long run! My father in law noticed some nasty play in the steering of his E46 328i and when we took the car to have the suspension checked out, we discovered that the left ball joint had completely failed - as far as I am concerned, it was probably touch and go that it would have come apart while driving! Safer to just replace and use a good quality lower control arm!

:thumbs:

 

[DieselFan]

Meyle HD ftw!