front suspension

[johnwoo]

hey guys im getting ready to purchase some front end suspension parts since mine are completely crap.  i was looking that the lower control arms from bavauto for our cars.  i was wondering what the difference is when running the offset m3 bushings in the lollipops?  
also are these good quality and price
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-Control-Arm-Arms-Bushing-Tie-Rods-316-318-325_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1210Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem120311033761QQitemZ120311033761

and should i go ahead and do the bushing tie rods with the control arms like the ones included in the kit.  i need to do my steering rack and outer tie rods too with this.  anything else i should do while i've got that stuff out?

[Jimmy Lewis]

The seller ended it early, because he probably put a 1 where a 2 or 3 should have been in the price. $195 for all of that shipped is an incredible deal if it were legit. I wasn't aware that the M3 had offset bushings for the lollipops? The M3 offset cab's in the control arms add caster to the front end, which is supposed to improve turn in, keeps the strut more vertical under cornering load. It wouldn't be a bad idea to just do it all while you are in there, just replace the entire tie rod including the ball joint because it is just as easy. Check the strut bearing and wheel bearings. Also if you do order tie rods, make sure you also buy 2 new crush washers, if you don't the tie rods won't be locked in and they can wiggle their way out.

On another note, bav auto is very professional and offer great customer service, but their prices aren't the best out there. Check out pelicanparts.com for parts and tech articles, and you could always call patrick at bmaparts.com.

[max123]

I was never sold on the offset.  The Z3 M-Coupe uses the exact same front suspension parts and it uses a normal no-offset control arm bushing.  It's far superior to any polyurathane bushing - is oem BMW part and just stiffens things up nicely.  Don't forget that if you get the offset bushing it must be pressed in properly.