I am going to google the powerflex, i need to replace soon. I am going to do both sides and see that the arms do come with the ball joints in them, unless i was looking at it wrong. Thanks

Ok i dont have a press and i am going to pick up arms with balljoints. Pricing is all over the place. I know cheap is not always good but there is a happy medium. I have used Moog and Dorman, I see Lemforder, can anyone shed some light. Powerflex are not going to be an option casue of the pressing issue. I see complete front end kits on ebay for 200? Thanks

Lemforder is an OE supplier for BMW.

Lemforder is THE primary suspension part supplier to BMW. With respect to an E53, they were the supplier for the front control arms (forged steel one and aluminum one), the tension strut bearing, ball joint and the sway bar links.

For the rear, they supplied both control arms (stamped metal one with the ball joint that wears out AND aluminum one), the replaceable ball joint (the one you need cupped tools to pull out), the link and the sway bar links.

Lemforder supplied other parts as well - but I only can type so much.

Shocks were supplied by Bilstein, they are the low pressure version (black tube).

You will need a press or you can cut out the old bushings with a sawzall. The powerflex bushings does not require a press to install. If you go to Youtube and type in powerflex bushings there is a video on installing it in a BMW E39 which is very similar to our X.

What about the issue of torquing the bolts? Does the vehicle have to be sitting on blocks on the ground before you torque the front end components?
Also, is this vibration across the entire front end especially noticed under load/acceleration? But not necessarily prominent during braking?

does this part include the ball joints and bushings ? BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport part # 30488 01

dealer said lower ball joints are worn. also need to replace thrust arm bushings...can someone help me with the part # please.

thanks

Alex - I had steering wheel shake under braking. Replaced the lower control arms on both sides and it has gone completely.

BMW E53 X5 N62 4.4L > Suspension > View All > ES#49230 Control Arm - Left - 31126760275

E53 front suspension parts
 

For an E53, BMW part numbers are:

• tension strut bushing (you need two) 31 12 6 769 715
• ball joint (you need two) 31 12 6 756 491
• wishbone / control arm (L) 31 12 6 760 275
• wishbone / control arm (R) 31 12 6 760 276

You normally would NOT need to replace the tension strut (black forged steel casting) only the bushing.