Yeah, I concur with Civ. You will be able to see movement in those parts if they are worn.

As for the shop saying "They used Quality parts underneath" I dont know of anyone who can make that assessment just by looking at them. The bushings are sign tightly wedges within the assembly, how could one tell if they were from BMW or from Uro? Without taking them apart and looking at the stampings?

Thud on braking usually means a problem with the Tension strut, its the bigger one of the two arms on the hub assembly. Also the swing control arm controls lateral movement, if the joint is failing in those, you will be able to tell from sound.

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2011 E70 50i M Sport