X5 in service today -- control arm bushings cracked -- advice...

[JVegas]

So my X5 is at Santa Monica BMW today for its final pre-expiration to the maintenance and CPO warranty (expires Sunday) -- figured this was a good time to get the oil changed and a few minor issues resolved. Of course, the advisor found a couple of issues -- first being the front control arm bushings are cracked.

I've searched this site and have seen the control arm replacement DIY, but was curious to know if anyone has done the bushing replacement individually or do both control arms need to be replaced.

The dealer wants $620 for parts and labor -- which is stupid when the part is $13 OEM per bushing from www.fcpeuro.com

My Indy wants $375 to do the job.

Should I take the X to my Indy or try a DIY ??

Any input here to encourage or discourage a DIY would be helpful.

[Quicksilver]

Didn't you say you have a maintenance and CPO warranty (expires Sunday).
Doesn't that warranty cover this.

[recklessspyder]

Extended warranty usually doesn't cover suspensions.

My indy allowed me to purchase what I wanted from ECS and then they installed them. I guess the DIY is easy, I just don't have the time anymore. There are some write ups.

The time, cost and effort to replace the bushings is about the same as buying a new arm if you don't have the right tools to do that part yourself....that's what others have said.

[JVegas]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Didn't you say you have a maintenance and CPO warranty (expires Sunday).
Doesn't that warranty cover this.

I thought it would have covered the situation, but unfortunately neither the CPO or the extended maintenance plan does...Got a free oil change and wiper blades (useless in SoCal) though...

[roadriderg]

Originally Posted by JVegas

I thought it would have covered the situation, but unfortunately neither the CPO or the extended maintenance plan does...Got a free oil change and wiper blades (useless in SoCal) though...

Cpo does not cover the suspension unless it is a factory defect. They will go to the normal wear and tear clause of the cpo.

I have been fighting them on my rattling sunroof. They will not touch this under the cpo only if it breaks and the breakage is a factory defect.


Gary

[tomcat]

It depends on the dealer I guess, but IIRC I had a few suspension items fixed under CPO.

Scott

[ECS Tuning]

Thanks for the mention ^.

We have the parts to cover your X5. What model of e53 do you have?

You can tackle this job on your own if you have the tools and knowledge. Its easy to replace the whole part with the bushings already in.


Thanks

Joe

[JVegas]

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning

Thanks for the mention ^.

We have the parts to cover your X5. What model of e53 do you have?

You can tackle this job on your own if you have the tools and knowledge. Its easy to replace the whole part with the bushings already in.


Thanks

Joe

I have a 2005 4.4i -- the bushings for my model from fcpeuro.com are $13, but I dont know if I have all the proper tools to do this procedure. What do you charge for the arms/bushings ? Do you sell the tools for this as well?

Thanks for your response Joe.

[ECS Tuning]

Thanks for the information.

Here is the diagram below.

Are you talking about #7 or # 11 bushing on the front axle.

If you just buy the bushings they will have to be pressed in professionally.

You would need a jack, jack stand, and metric sockets and ratchet to take the suspension apart and have the bushing pressed, then reassemble the suspension.

Thanks

Joe

[JVegas]

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning

Thanks for the information.

Here is the diagram below.

Are you talking about #7 or # 11 bushing on the front axle.

If you just buy the bushings they will have to be pressed in professionally.

You would need a jack, jack stand, and metric sockets and ratchet to take the suspension apart and have the bushing pressed, then reassemble the suspension.

Thanks

Joe

I was told its the front lower control arm bushing -- not sure which that would be #7 or #11 -- will ask the dealer. Or do you know which that would be? Probably the #7 since its more expensive...

Thanks,
Jason