BMW e30 M3 Wreck :(((

[twism]

The part that is broken is e30 m3 specific and cannot be replaced with one from any other BMW.

You can see it here, #4 on the diagram:

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/M3-S14/LHD/M/1988/march/browse/front_axle/front_spring_strut_shock_absorber/

[twism]

I found it brand new on here:

http://iwantautoparts.com/bmw32-21-2-225-349.html

according to realoem.com and bmwfans.info your control arm is the same as on every e30, so that should not be a problem to find and replace

you can see a diagram here:

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/M3-S14/LHD/M/1988/march/browse/front_axle/front_axle_support_wishbone/

[ian3]

okay thanks I will get in touch with my local dealership..but one final question: how much does a steering coupler/knuckle cost?...just so I have a ball park on how much I should spend...

[ian3]

I appreciate the help twism...and everyone else who has commented for that matter..when the car is fixed I will post photos...Thanks again!!!!

[davem]

I appreciate the help twism...and everyone else who has commented for that matter..when the car is fixed I will post photos...Thanks again!!!!

a new one will be very expensive, best bet is to find a speciality bmw wrecker or m3 message board like s14

[ian3]

considering I thought I would need a new spindle which is $900 I can live with this...new control arms($200)...plus the left steering coupler ($170 or less)....I think the tie rod is fine but I will see once I get it driving again...the bumper is cracked but I can deal with that later...fenders are scratched as well but they can be refinished...right now I am just worried about the suspension...

[Roysneon]

Personally I would replace the steering knuckle that broke, the control arms (just buy regular steel ones if you have to), a new outer tie rod end and take it to an alignment shop that can line it all up and check it over.

[ian3]

lol thats exactly my plan Roysneon now that I think about that tie rod....but i minus well get my wheels balanced too since they'll have the car in there....next will come is new bumper with pain as well as repaint the fenders..but all in time...again I appreciate the advice,this forum proves to be far more helpful and responsive than others

[Gooch]

Ouch. That sucks, as everyone else has said they are rare and pricey. Glad you and the car are ok and the car made it out rather un-harmed.

I'd give Jack Money a call or shoot him a PM over on s14.net. He goes by RacerX over there...he buys bent M3 strut housings for cores. He may have an extra knuckle laying around. Worth a shot, good luck!

[Kershaw]

easiest solution: sell me your car.

[AndrewBird]

easiest solution: give me your car.

Fixed that for you.

[Eric]

wow, never seen that part fail! Has the vehicle previously been in an accident?

[reelizmpro]

Yes, he just brought up an accident in a previous post which makes sense now. I've never heard such a thing just happening. Also, where is the nut for the tie rod ball joint? Your arms look original, what about the tie rods? if that knuckle sustained damage I'd imagine that tie rod was probably damaged as well.

[M-technik-3]

Ouch. That sucks, as everyone else has said they are rare and pricey. Glad you and the car are ok and the car made it out rather un-harmed.

I'd give Jack Money a call or shoot him a PM over on s14.net. He goes by RacerX over there...he buys bent M3 strut housings for cores. He may have an extra knuckle laying around. Worth a shot, good luck!

Racer-X has had a string of poor contact in sales, Might be hesitant on dealings with Jack. I think it's all be resolved but there was the issue. Not to the point of Don McAdams level.

[ian3]

I already took the nut off the tie rod to try and get the cracked piece from the knuckle off. As for the tie rods, they were replaced after the accident but the left one is no different from the right. At least from the human eye. But after taking a close look at the car and making sure everything was proper, I found that I am missing the nut from where the bolt goes through the engine mount. I will see what the measurement of the nut is using the right engine mount and find the same nut. Everything else on the car was fine and I will calling my local dealership today for prices etc.