Replace front control arm DIY?
 

Hi all! Just want to know if it is possible to replace the right front control arm (31126760276) of my X5 by myself (DIY)? Thanks!

Yes it is 'relatively' easy. Here is the DIY http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...trol-arms.html

Thanks for reply! I just checked the price of the part, some garages ask for US$205 for the original BMW control arm (wishbone) without labor cost, US$65 for non-original BMW control arm made in Germany (no idea which company it is made by), labor cost is around US$40, I guess. I also asked BMW dealer for the part, they ask for US$400 for the part with 2-year warranty and US$40 for labor cost.

So what do you experts suggest? Buy a non-original one or an original one then ask a garage to install for me? Or just put it to BMW dealer for US$440 total?

I was thinking of doing it by myself, but I just gave up this thought since I am not an machinist who is specialized in car manufacturing and I do not have much knowledge on car repairing either. It also could be dangerous since the car needs to be lifted in order to complete the job.

Any suggestion? Thanks for any input!

Does anyone know if the quality of aftermarket control arm is equivalent to original BMW one?

Link?

the control arm, or officially called by bmw as wishbone, the part number is 31126760276. Thanks!

The non-OEM;Do you have a link so we can take a look?

Hi Paul! Sorry that I misunderstand what you said. I do not have the link, the parts dealer (not BMW dealer) told me that it is made in Germany and 100% OEM quality, but they did not told me which company was the manufacturer. I also searched in eBay and also found lots of the control arms being sold there, the descriptions are also saying they are made in Germany and 100% OEM quality. I guess the parts dealer is selling similar thing just like what is selling in eBay. I am just wondering if the aftermarket control arms sold in eBay or the parts dealer have good quality just like the genuine BMW one? Thanks!

Roger,
It's a crap shoot. These guys on eBay say lots of things but you have to pay up front to find out and they never take it back. I would do a thorough search on the feedback of some of the sellers before you buy anything. The WWW makes it too easy to fall prey to rip-off artists.
Having said that you can get a deal sometimes, I know I have but not every time.

Thanks Paul! What do you think about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...096490368&rd=1

Thanks!