I’m thinking about doing a front end rebuild on my e30. My lower left control arm’s bushings are shot. So I figured I would just replace both the left and right. I got a quote for an OEM left control arm and it came to 375$ there about….. that means for both sides are damn near a grand Ouch. A friend of mine told me he used an aftermarket company to rebuild his front end when he had his e30. I looked on line and found this company called FCP Gorton http://www.fcpgroton.com/ . I found that they offer a full rebuild kit for like 225$ much more like it. Just want to see if any one has use this company or know if it is any good. I don’t want to put shit on my e30 but I don’t want to pay and arm and a leg ether. Any input would be appreciated.
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That kit is okay, but the quality isn't the best and it may not last long.
Melye control arms (OE quality) are available from Bimmerworld for $95 ea and they have the bushings for $60ea. That puts the control arms at $155/side.The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL -
I just finished up with a complete front end rebuild paying $40 for the oem m3 offset CABs and ~$70 for MOOG replacement ball joints from BMA if I remember correctly. I had the availability of a hydraulic press at my high school autoshop but they should be able to pop the old ones out and the new ones in at any good shop for pretty cheap. It took me less than an hour to do both sides inner and outer and press the Cabs into the lollipop brackets. Cheapest way to do the front end by far and still have quality parts but YMMV.Comment
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now that you've mentioned pressing new ball joints (which I, as a mechanical engineer, believe to be perfectly acceptable if done properly), there will be those that will disagree, and will say they will come loose, blah blah... I've never done it, but plan to here in a few weeks. I may see if I can work out something for people wanting to go this route to "lock" them in if I feel it necessary. (as i work on my car I'm working on a whole line of products I think will help guys out...ah being an engineer with a full fab/cnc machine shop at my disposal is great)Comment
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I used the 7-piece FCP Groton kit for my rebuild. Its been on the car for almost a year now; no clunking, wandering, vibrating, etc.
1987 325e - 5 speed - Mods: 3.25 LSD, Mark D Chip, Bilstein HD's, Ansa Sport
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Feel free to let me know when someone has us beat on price, especially for Meyle. I haven't yet found a situation where we couldn't price match.Originally posted by jlevie View Post
As far as the house brand kits are concerned, they should last nearly as long as anything else out there. Proper installation can make or break the longevity of any bushing.1-877-634-0063
www.fcpeuro.com
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do you have a package with Meyle arms, m3 cabs, and tie rods? Its kinda difficult to figure out from your site...would be nice to have a configurable option to pick the parts you want.
Also i just saw on the site the info about their limited lifetime warranty (granted there is a decent bit involved and its up to their discretion in a way) but that's really not that bad of a deal. I personally am not sure that ASE cert. really means too much as I've had some really SHOTTY work done by certified mechanics, even at my local BMW dealer!Last edited by JoeyBones; 06-24-2010, 09:14 AM.Comment
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Props to FCP for stepping up & offering solid customer service. I know there are plenty of people who would say use OEM parts, but not everyone can or wants to spend OEM money when replacements can work just as well & for long when properly installed.Comment
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I used FCPGroton parts on my previous e30 m3 and didnt have no problems at all. I just placed another order a few days for new control arms. I rather swap the parts then to press BJ etc... Easy swap IMO...Comment
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I just ordered this FCP kit
a little more but comes with m3 bushings. ill post pics so people can make a more informed decision.1991 e30 328i M52 swapped: Gone
1995 e34 540i/6 1 of 76 Clean
1985 e28 euro 525i the dailyComment
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I just ordered this FCP kit
a little more but comes with m3 bushings. ill post pics so people can make a more informed decision.1991 e30 328i M52 swapped: Gone
1995 e34 540i/6 1 of 76 Clean
1985 e28 euro 525i the dailyComment
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