What to replace lower control arms and sway bar end links with?

[rammstein]

I am dangerously close to having my car perfect... so close that I asked my mechanic to look into what the creaking sounds I get were coming from.

Long story made short, I need to replace both lower control arms and bushings, as well as the sway bar endlinks. He quoted me a shocking price for this, which I assume is mainly in relation to labor.

Anyhow, what should I replace with? I'd like to upgrade if it makes sense. This car is my daily driver, but will also (god willing) be going to some track weekends in the near future. The rest of the suspension is stock, except for the billie sports and E30m3 springs. I'm using the old search function in the meantime, but if any of the gurus have advice for me I am all ears.

Thanks!

[Stu]

E30 M3 control arm bushings (~$30)
Standard E30 Lemforder control arms (~$100?) each
Standard E30 front swaybar links ($20?) each

If you want to upgrade or want more front end roll stiffness:
Delrin control arm bushings (Vorshlag, Bimmerworld)
E30 M3 swaybar links ($20?) each, plus have tabs welded onto strut housing.
E30 M3 alloy control arms ($300?) each, generally not worth the cost vs. weight savings/larger ball joints.

[jlevie]

The Lemforder (OE) control arms are as good as it gets. Likewise for the sway bar links. if you are retaining the OE sways, replace their bushings also.

[rammstein]

Thanks for the answers. I'm getting naughty ideas about the UUC swaybar kit, you know, while I'm in there .... :D

[namsayin]

^ im a bout to get those too! i heard good things about the UUC swaybar kit

[Hellabad]

I actually recommend using the 1995 e36M3 lower control arms on an e30. They have better ball joints and are the exact same geometry.


JM from GC

[z31maniac]

Wish I would have known that a few months ago!

^ im a bout to get those too! i heard good things about the UUC swaybar kit

I'm happy with the kit, not running the rear bar though. 550/750 with no rear bar.

Once its up and running again, I'm thinking I'll go get it corner weighted.

[txtorquemade]

I actually recommend using the 1995 e36M3 lower control arms on an e30. They have better ball joints and are the exact same geometry.


JM from GC

Can anyone validate and source/price these. Would they be enhanced with THR eyeball FCABS? Also endlinks and tie rod ends? Whats a good match there?