BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost

Between $226 and $314. The average cost for a BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement is between $226 and $314. Labor costs are estimated between $136 and $172 while parts are priced between $90 and $142. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost: A Comprehensive Guide

Your BMW 335i is renowned for its precise handling and exhilarating driving experience. A crucial component contributing to this performance is the suspension system, and within it, the control arm bushings play a vital role. When these rubber or polyurethane components wear out, they can significantly impact your vehicle's ride quality, steering response, and overall safety. Understanding the BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost is essential for maintaining your luxury sedan.

1. Detailed Cost Breakdown

The BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost can vary based on several factors, but a general understanding of the pricing components will help you budget effectively.

Note: These figures are averages and do not include taxes, fees, or potential additional repairs.

The cost of automotive repairs is not uniform across the country. Major metropolitan areas, especially those on the coasts, often have higher labor rates due to increased overhead for repair shops and a higher cost of living. Conversely, you might find lower prices in smaller towns or in regions with a lower cost of living. This is a significant factor when considering your BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

2. Factors Affecting Cost

Several elements can influence the final BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost.

As your BMW 335i accumulates mileage, the wear and tear on its components, including control arm bushings, naturally increases. Higher mileage vehicles are more likely to require these replacements, and the condition of surrounding suspension components might also necessitate additional work, driving up the overall cost.

As mentioned earlier, your geographical location significantly impacts labor rates. A repair that costs $300 in one state could easily be $400 or more in another, primarily due to differing labor costs and the cost of doing business for the repair facility.

It's common for control arm bushing replacements to coincide with other suspension work. Worn bushings can put extra stress on other components, leading to premature wear. Common related repairs include:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

These additional repairs will, of course, increase the total BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost.

While less common for routine maintenance like bushing replacement, some repair shops might offer seasonal promotions or discounts. It's always worth inquiring about any ongoing specials, especially during off-peak repair seasons.

3. Diagnostic & Repair Process

Understanding the process helps you appreciate the labor involved and the BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost.

A technician may diagnose a worn lower control arm bushing during a test drive of the vehicle. The condition may also present itself during a bounce test, where the technician will press down firmly on one corner of the front end of the vehicle to bounce the suspension and pivot the control arms. A severely worn control arm bushing may also show up during a four-wheel suspension alignment since the control arm determines the position and angle of the wheel.

The car must be lifted, and the wheel and tire removed. The lower control arm must be disconnected from the lower ball joint and the vehicle frame or body. An upper control arm is disconnected from the strut tower on the body and from the top of the steering knuckle. It's common to replace related components, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar links, at the same time a control arm or bushing is replaced.

Our recommends inspecting (and replacing if necessary) the ball joint at the same time that the control arm bushings are replaced. Since the control arm determines the position of the wheel and tire, a wheel alignment is also recommended.

Rubber bushings are adversely affected by heat, grease and oil. It is important to have the bushings periodically inspected to make sure they are free from grease or oil.

Replacing control arm bushings is generally an intermediate DIY repair. On some vehicles, the control arms come with the bushings already installed. On other vehicles, the bushings need to be pressed into their housings on the control arm before installation. In this case, the repair will be more difficult. However, if you don't have the equipment needed to lift the vehicle, this job should be left to a professional mechanic.

Step-by-step replacement procedure:

1. Vehicle Lift and Wheel Removal: The vehicle is safely raised, and the affected wheel is removed.
2. Component Disconnection: The control arm is carefully disconnected from its mounting points, which may include ball joints, tie rods, and the subframe.
3. Bushing Removal: The old bushing is pressed out of the control arm. This often requires a hydraulic press.
4. New Bushing Installation: The new bushing is pressed into the control arm.
5. Control Arm Reattachment: The control arm, with the new bushing, is reinstalled and secured to the vehicle.
6. Wheel Reinstallation: The wheel is put back on, and lug nuts are tightened.
7. Wheel Alignment: A professional wheel alignment is performed.

Tools and expertise required:

This job requires specialized tools like a hydraulic press, various wrenches and sockets, jack stands, and potentially a torque wrench. Proper knowledge of suspension geometry and torque specifications is crucial.

Common complications:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

4. Warning Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of worn control arm bushings will help you address the issue before it escalates, potentially saving you money on the overall BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

While there isn't typically a specific dashboard warning light for worn control arm bushings, other suspension-related issues that might occur concurrently (like ABS sensor problems) could trigger warning lights.

If you experience any of the following, it's crucial to have your vehicle inspected immediately:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

5. Cost-Saving Strategies

Minimizing the BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost is achievable with a few smart approaches.

Always obtain quotes from at least three different reputable repair shops. Compare not only the price but also the warranty offered on parts and labor.

Consider having suspension work done during off-peak times for repair shops, which might be mid-week or during less busy seasons. Also, if you know other suspension components need attention, consolidate the repairs to save on labor costs for multiple shop visits.

Check if your vehicle is still under a manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty. If so, the repair might be covered, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expense.

If you are mechanically inclined and have the necessary tools and a safe space to work, replacing control arm bushings can be a DIY project. However, accurately assessing your skill level and the complexity of the job for your specific BMW 335i is paramount. If you're unsure, it's always better to leave it to the professionals.

6. FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions regarding the BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are parts made by BMW or certified suppliers to BMW's specifications. They are generally of higher quality and ensure a perfect fit, but they also come at a premium price. Expect the higher end of the parts cost range when opting for OEM bushings.
• Aftermarket Parts: These are parts made by companies other than BMW. While some aftermarket parts are excellent and offer comparable quality to OEM, others may not meet the same standards. Choosing reputable aftermarket brands can offer significant savings.

How much does BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost?
The average cost for a BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement is between $226 and $314, with labor estimated at $136-$172 and parts at $90-$142.

Can I drive with this problem?
Driving with worn control arm bushings is not recommended. While your car may still be drivable, it compromises your vehicle's handling, safety, and can lead to accelerated wear on other suspension components and tires.

How long does BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement take?
The replacement typically takes between 1 to 3 hours of labor per side, depending on the specific vehicle and the technician's experience. This also includes time for a subsequent wheel alignment.

What causes this issue?
Control arm bushings wear out over time due to constant flexing, exposure to road debris, heat, grease, and oil. Driving on rough roads or aggressive driving can also accelerate wear.

Your BMW 335i's suspension is key to its performance and your driving pleasure. By understanding the BMW 335i Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost and the factors influencing it, you can make informed decisions to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Don't delay addressing worn bushings; schedule an inspection with a trusted mechanic today.