Replace it all and be happy as one part replacement will always magnify the slop that exists in the upper arms.

Normal wear out of service for the rear suspensions for V8's is 60K. The lack of torque on the I-6 bangers allows much longer in service specs.

As Andrew mentioned, the rear ball joint wear out is tough to determine. If you pull them (actually it is push them) out you will see they are toast long before the replacement occurred.

My own 4.8is rear arms were toast at 62K. Front torque arms at 42K. Too many hard stomps followed up with heavy braking. Yes, the V8 tires wear out real fast as well... I think X5 V8's actually eat tires. :)

I believe Andrew is on to something regarding the rear suspension part wear. On hard acceleration they toe in VS heavy braking the push is to toe out. This action pounds the upper arms in the rear while eating alive the front ones. Wonder what the engineers found leveraging strain gauges during development? The results gave us the same parts for V8 and I-6 in the rear....

Using my iPhone without a case, the angle is 2 degrees on my rear wheels. If specs are 2.1-2.2, it's close to being toast. Not so sure on accuracy, but a phone angle gauge can work for a quick check.

The camber angle isn't a huge problem. It's why. If the camber angle is an extra 1/2° due to the ball joint wear, it means the wheels are steering toe out during braking and that will shred tires.

I've got a generic press kits wheel bearings and another for ball joint replacement. Are these likely to work or will I need special BMW presses. The youtube videos all seem to use BMW specific tools.

(I have tried searching here, but it's pretty buggy)

Special press needed. Sometimes even the one designed for the job needs a little more filling down to fit. Also the bearings often aren't up to task and will self destruct.

BMW specific tool needed for rear lower ball joint... :rolleyes:

Best way to search Xoutpost is to use Google along with the site code, i.e. use a search term like: -

site:xoutpost.com e53 replace rear ball joint BMW tool

Works a treat....

It turns out it's more than worn bushings and ball joints. I had previously had an "opportunity" to replace the front subframe, it looks like now I get to do the same for the rear subframe.

It looks good on the surface, but you can easily push it with a finger and see the upper bushing brackets flex where corroded.

I'm waiting on a replacement from LKQ. I do have a quick question on the rear subframe bushings. Can I use a generic tool since it's going to be out of the car? Or should I 'invest' in another tool?

You should be able to use a generic tool off the car. Heat up the subframe enough to melt the outer layer of rubber on the bushing, and they'll come out.

That said, the special tool will make this easier, faster, and cleaner.

Bummer on the subframe. Hmmm I never had a chance to replace my bushings before I replaced my car with e70.

If the bushing/tool aren't compatible I have an unused e53 bushing tool.

And I have a "used once" tool - which is about what most buyers will end up with! :rofl: