Lemforder
SKU: LEM-1578902

BMW Steering Center Link - Lemforder 32211096059

540i, M5



Available
In Stock
Price each: $135.99
Core charges are assigned to parts that have reusable components by manufacturers to encourage the return of the used units. Once you return the old part you will be refunded for your core charge, details regarding the return will be emailed to you once you place the order. Note: The customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping.
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Description

Details

SKU:
LEM-1578902
FCP Euro ID:
112958
GTIN / UPC:
04047437397064
Made in:
Turkey
Quality:
OE

OE Numbers

32211096059, 32211091720

MFG Numbers

1578902

Product Information

Connects the steering gear to the outer tie rods

Your BMW's center drag link or steering center link connects to the steering gear box to the outer tie rods. With age and high mileage the center drag link can develop play in the ball joints which attach to the steering gear and idler arm. In addition the inner tie rods which are part of the drag link can also develop play. Any play in the center link can cause steering feel loss as well as cause issues with alignment. We recommend regular inspection of this component.

Steering Center Link

The center link acts as a connecting rod between the steering gearbox's pitman arm and the tie rods, allowing the wheels to turn in response to steering wheel movement. Over time, the bushings within the center link can wear out, causing excessive play and looseness in the steering system.

Steering Center Link Failure Symptoms
  • Loose Steering Feel: Noticeable play or slack in the steering wheel, especially when turning
  • Clunking Noises: A knocking or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds
  • Vehicle Pulling to One Side: Car drifting or pulling noticeably to one side while driving straight

About Lemforder

LEMFÖRDER is the No.1 brand in original equipment steering and chassis components. As a trusted partner of over 50 vehicle manufacturers worldwide LEMFÖRDER is a leader in the development of innovative passenger car, motorcycle, HCV and off-road chassis technology. Lemforder is a quality innovator in the fields of steering and suspension system parts and is often the OE (original equipment) of suspension parts for car brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and more. Founded in Lemförde near Bremen, LEMFÖRDER still engineers over 90% of its parts in Germany.

As part of a global organization, LEMFÖRDER follows the footprints of the automotive industry and has production and engineering sites all over the world. Each LEMFÖRDER part is rigorously tested before entering the market. For over 70 years LEMFÖRDER has been known for its pioneering spirit and passion for detail – setting the highest standards in steering and suspension. As an OE supplier to vehicle manufacturers for decades, LEMFÖRDER has a reputation for developing products that are perfectly suited to the overall vehicle system.

Lemforder many times matches OE quality and are considered either OE or OEM for many popular European models. In fact, many of their parts are made on the same line as the original and have had the BMW logo milled or ground off to be sold under the Lemforder label instead. Lemforder is of equal quality as many of the Genuine parts available with Lemforder coming in at a significant cost savings.

Fits These Cars

BMW 540i

  • 1999 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 1999 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2000 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2000 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2001 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2001 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2002 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2002 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2003 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
  • 2003 BMW 540i Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas
    Notes: Grade: Aftermarket

BMW M5

  • 2000 BMW M5 Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 5.0L V8 S62 Gas
    Notes: Center Tie Rod (Drag Link) Front
  • 2001 BMW M5 Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 5.0L V8 S62 Gas
    Notes: Center Tie Rod (Drag Link) Front
  • 2002 BMW M5 Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 5.0L V8 S62 Gas
    Notes: Center Tie Rod (Drag Link) Front
  • 2003 BMW M5 Steering Center Link
    Manual RWD Sedan 5.0L V8 S62 Gas
    Notes: Center Tie Rod (Drag Link) Front

Product Reviews

8 Reviews

4.0
Average rating
Leave a review
540 M-Sport
on Sat, Jun 20 at 03:14PM
Poor quality
After a few years, the OE TRW I ordered from FCP Euro developed some play...so ordered a replacement Lemforder in spring of 2025, as they no longer carry the TRW part. Well, in one year I have a good amount of play on the passenger side. Not sure if I want to order another Lemforder or get the factory BMW (TRW).
Nicholas
on Mon, Nov 15 at 01:51PM
Lemforder E39 540i/M5 Center Link
Lemforder is not the OEM for the tie rods and center link for V8 E39s. The OEM is TRW. The parts I have pulled off my cars with full service history from new are marked TRW. And my replacement TRW parts are marked the same.
Michael Kennedy
on Thu, Apr 23 at 02:26PM
Drag link debacle
installed on my e39 540i6. I did not purchase it through fcp euro but the new part in box was included with the purchase of the car. It has been roughly 40k miles and the passenger side outer ball joint that connects to the tie rod end has massive play in it, about half an inch. No torn boots, and the entire front end has been replaced. I think this was just a defect and not a fault of the part. I have never had problems with this brand and I'm thinking this is a fluke.
Debo
on Thu, Mar 19 at 06:50PM
Necessary refresh
Brought the car back to life after so long limping on rusty parts
James
on Wed, Jun 19 at 09:54AM
Went on easily
Perfect fit, no issues. Far easier than trying to press out the bushing and replace it.
John
on Wed, Jul 04 at 11:27AM
Drag Link Review
I received the center drag link very quickly. It came in nice packaging, and it appears to have been very well constructed. The ball joints felt very nice. It has been doing well on my car, and it sharpened up the steering considerably.
Andrew
on Tue, Jan 03 at 03:27PM
Fit perfectly
Diver Joe
on Sat, Feb 21 at 01:47PM
Great Price
I shopped around and found this high quality brand for less on FCP. There's a lot of ball joints under the front of a 540i; don't forget to replace this component when installing new control arms.

Questions & Answers

Ask a question
Question Posted by Mikhail
Hello, will this fit a 2000 540i with a 6 speed MANUAL transmission? the fitment notes below state its only for automatic, so i was a bit confused 2000 BMW 540i Steering Center Link Automatic RWD Sedan 4.4L V8 M62 Gas Notes: Grade: Aftermarket
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
This is a fit for '00 540i sedans with auto or manual transmission, yes.
Question Posted by Adrian
hello will this fit a right hand drive vehicle? thanks
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
I would not be able to verify non US applications, but I would assume it is the same for any right hand drive applications.
Question Posted by Ryan
Hi, this states "Automatic" transmission for fitment. My 540 is a manual, will this center link be compatible with my 2000 540 6 speed?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
Yes, this will also be compatible to manual transmission vehicles.
Question Posted by a customer
Does this part include the two self-locking hex nuts (32211094586)?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
Yes, this includes the required self locking hex nuts.

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