Adjustable Aluminum Rear Lower Control Arms - E36/E46/Z4
Details
- Performance alignments require much more adjustability and camber than the stock eccentric bolt can provide
- When a BMW is lowered, it can cause additional and unwanted negative camber (which leads to premature and uneven tire wear) which the factory rear control arms do not have the ability to dial out
- Factory rear control arms are frequently damaged when an E36/E46 is towed by unknowing tow truck operators, who easily find the factory arms a convenient (but incorrect) location to secure the vehicle
These adjustable rear control arms allow for +1.0° to -3.0° of rear wheel camber, depending on your needs and required adjustments. Clevis and bushing ends are CNC machined. Center rods are solid aluminum - stronger than the tubular links used in our pro race cars for durability with harsh street and track use, but still lightweight to reduce unsprung mass. Machined flats on the center allow for easy and precise adjustments while on the alignment rack. The mounting bushings are made from solid rubber for a squeak-free ride.
THE MANUFACTURERS TECH SPEAK:
Estimated strengths and fatigue loads of each of the link sections of the arms are as follows as a factor of OE load ability:
As a factor of OE
Est. Yield
Est. Max Fatigue design Load
OE Arm
1.0
1.0
7075 T6 Link - BimmerWorld
2.8
2.7
Chromemoly Link
4.2
4.2
Definitions:
Yield = The load that will cause permanent deformation of the link.
Fatigue = The approx cyclical load that the link would last indefinitely without failure.
Overview:
The 72110 link is approximately 3 times stronger than the OE link.
Note:
With the use of the alternate chromemoly center section, the link is no longer the weakest section of the arm. The weakest section is the U-shaped end mount. We have not determined this alternate section to be necessary.
We have not performed a fatigue analysis on these parts. It is a relatively expensive proposition (engineering time on our FEA software and/or machining and test time on our cycle test bench.) In general, when a part approaches a 3 times safety factor of OE strength, we (and most auto and race manufacturers) do not see a need to cycle test. At this kind of a safety factor, the part should outlast the car.
As with any adjustable suspension part, an alignment is required after installation. Fits all E36 3 Series cars (1992-1999 318, 323, 325, 328, M3 - except 318ti), E46 3 Series cars (1999-2005 323, 325, 328, 330, M3), and all Z4.