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2020–2024 BMW 3-Series

2019-2023 BMW 3 Series — Replace Lower Control Arm

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced 2-3 hours $460 DIY 2 views

Save $340 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $800

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost
$460.00
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint — $170.00
Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint — $170.00
Front Sway Bar Link TRQ PSA28928 $30.00
Front Outer Tie Rod TRQ PSA28929 $50.00
Front Inner Tie Rod TRQ PSA28930 $40.00

About prices: shown prices are estimates from typical Amazon listings and change frequently, and cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Safely raise and support the vehicle

Park on level ground, loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly, then raise the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel. Place a jack under the lower control arm or knuckle as needed to support spring load before unbolting ball joints or bushings.

2

Mark alignment references and free the ball joint

On the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive: mark cam bolts or eccentric washers if present so you can approximate alignment on reassembly. Remove the cotter pin/nut and separate the ball joint from the knuckle with a pickle fork or ball-joint separator — protect the boot on parts you are reusing.

3

Unbolt bushings and remove the control arm

Remove the inner control-arm bushing bolts/nuts at the subframe. Lower the arm carefully out of the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive. Note bolt orientation and any washers or flags that must go back the same way.

4

Compare the new control arm

On the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive: compare ball-joint taper, bushing style, and mounting holes to the old arm. Transfer any reusable sensors, brackets, or sway-bar end-link hardware only if the new arm is not fully loaded. Inspect the ball-joint boot for damage before install.

5

Install the new arm and torque fasteners

Position the new control arm, start all bolts by hand, reconnect the ball joint, and torque fasteners to spec. Where bushings must be torqued at ride height, lower the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive onto supports or a jack under the arm before final torque so bushings are not preloaded incorrectly.

6

Reinstall the wheel and get an alignment

Reinstall the wheel, torque lug nuts in a star pattern, and lower the 2020-2024 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive. Check for clunks on a short drive, then have a professional four-wheel alignment performed — control-arm work changes camber/caster.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Not properly securing the vehicle with jack stands before starting the repair.
  • • Failing to torque bolts to manufacturer specifications, leading to potential suspension issues.
  • • Reusing old hardware (e.g., bolts, nuts) instead of replacing them as recommended.