BMW 520D 2016 Front Lower Control Arms

[IrvesBMW]

Hello, I need to replace the front lower suspension arm on my 2016 BMW 520D estate, however the lowest ones I can find from the manufacturer cost £272 apiece.
Need recommendations for affordable, high-quality alternatives; have seen a couple very inexpensive ones but can't tell whether they're any good.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

[ByteStorm]

My F11 now has meyle HD ones, which are of respectable quality and have served me well. I forget the exact cost, but it was a lot less than the BMW versions.

[TDudette]

BMW are acting really childishly. Meyle or Ridex are also good options.

[IrvesBMW]

Alare taking the p**s, thanks for the quick reaction and investigation. Meyle or Ridex are also good options.

[ChatMaven]

Get the best deals on auto parts by entering your registration number at buycarparts.co.uk.

I've been working with Autodoc, a reputable German firm, for quite some time.

With a large selection of vendors, and free delivery on purchases above £150, the only downside is the shipment time.

[IrvesBMW]

That's fine, thanks

[ByteStorm]

Use only reputable brands such as Meyle, Lemforder, etc.; lesser alternatives won't hold up. AUTODOC promotes their own ridex and other less expensive brands. They are just as bad as ECP's tattier starline and should be avoided.

[ChatMaven]

From my experience, Autodoc does not promote any one brand.

They carry all the brands you've mentioned and more; I've used the ones you've mentioned above on many cars over the course of 15 years. include Ridex, Febi-Bilstein, TRW, and others

It doesn't take a genius to realize you shouldn't go with an unknown brand.

Unchecking "safe order" may help facilitate a return, but it is not necessary.

My 116i's O2 sensor and oil filter were broken in transit, and I learned this the hard way. I was prepared for a no-questions-asked refund, but when they asked for photographs of the components, I had to let them know how I felt about their "safe buy."

[ByteStorm]

Many times after placing an order and making the necessary payments, I have received an email from the company's technical department stating that the product I bought is not acceptable and that ridex is a better alternative. It's simply a trial run; I'm certain that the component I got will work since the OEM comparable part number is included in the product page.

[ChatMaven]

I've never had that happen, however I have received emails promising to double-check my purchase, which I've either disregarded or instructed them to fulfill as is. Or, if they continue to complain, I just threaten to cancel the whole purchase.

A UK provider would have been preferable, but places like Eurocarparts and GSF don't have as many options, and many parts aren't 'on the shelf,' so they're both slower and more expensive than Autodoc.

[ByteStorm]

If I may ask something completely off topic?
Can you tell me whether the 116i has an option for longer or shorter track rods?

I looked it up on realoem, and it's not really obvious to me.

When I acquired the vehicle in April, the vendor had already switched one of them out without checking the tracking, which is why I'm asking. There was inside shoulder wear (too much toe out) and the vehicle meandered significantly on uneven ground, so this was a mile out.
I rebalanced the rods and now the tires are wearing evenly, but I'm sure I still see some toe out in the wheels, even though the new rod can't be tightened much more. Since my brand-new tires have worn evenly after 2,000 miles, I haven't had the tracking examined by an expert.

[ChatMaven]

There don't seem to be any variants; both rack manufacturers use the identical tie rod and track rod.
Is it possible that a rod from a different model was inadvertently installed? How difficult is the transition once you get there?

[bvlenci]

, I'd recommend sticking with tried-and-true companies like lemforder, Febi, or TRW instead than Ridex. You're getting OEM quality for a fraction of the price since many of these businesses create them for BMW. Even TRW removes BMW emblems from certain models' control arms by grinding them off.

[ChatMaven]

The replacement rod, if memory serves, required a complete turn of the rod end screw. There was a lot of wiggle room on the other side, but both rods need to be adjusted or the wheel would be off center.

For the time being, I think I'll simply monitor the tread wear and leave things how they are. Handling, cornering, and grip are all top-notch.