BMW 5-Piece Ultimate M3 Control Arm Upgrade Kit - BMWMCAKIT1

To start off, the non M and M designed suspension are similar in terms of design philosophy which is not surprising when you consider that BMW's M division is working off what BMW already designed. However, there are numerous changes made to the M version control arms which drastically improve handling performance. Because the suspensions are almost identical in design it allows for the 1-Series M and M3 control arms to be installed in their non M counterparts without modification.

The tension struts (big curved control arms) feature a solid rubber inner bushing which reduces deflection and eliminates the hydro bushing weakness which is tearing and leaks. The solid rubber bushing is stiffer which helps tighten up the front suspension without being overly stiff and unforgiving. The lower wishbones (straight control arm) features a sealed inner bearing, also known as a monoball, that allows for the inner part of the control arm to rotate more freely when compared to the non M rubber bushing. This design change also allows for added durability in the long run. The lower control arm is slightly longer which adds approximately .75° of negative camber helping reduce under steer and drastically improving turn in response without having a significant impact on tire read life.

The Syncro Design Works monoball bushings compared to a traditional hydrobearing or solid rubber bushing offer a range of multi-axial movement, where OEM bushings only pivot on a single axis, similar to a gate hinge in motion. OEM bushings, even when new, allow more deflection than preferred for optimal performance and have a limited service life. Syncro Design Works rear trailing arm bearings are lubricated and sealed for maintenance free operation, which makes them the last tension strut bushings that your vehicle will ever need.