Justin517

yeah i had heard the 3 series had some major probs with them.

77'911

We've had a number of 3 and 5 series in the family and they all go through front end parts, even with just daily driving. The upgraded bushings do make it better though.

Justin517

im assuming yes from the 20k comemnt before about a friends 323.

ModifiedA4

its supposed to be pretty inert with regards to swelling plastics and rubber. Plus it has the highest temp rating and lowest water wash rating i could find.

im still on my original control arms/tie rod ends after 5 years 86,000miles.

77'911

If you track and Audi they can wear that fast. For daily driving, BMWs go through front ends much faster then Audis. Each car has its different "isms". I think for Audi, its a higher cost in wheel bearings, timing belt/waterpump jobs. For say 3 series cars, its control arms, window regulators, mounts, some electronic glitches. Overall, BMWs are a tade less to maintain due to the fact they are less complex(no awd drivetrain on rwd of course).

Audiboy

It's supposed to be a teflon lining. Maybe Aluminum is not a good long term choice for ball joints

Chard

and I'm not getting any more road noise than with my stock ones. I have to say that it really is a cut in the cost for materials. I haven't had to change my control arms in another other vehicle as early.

WJM

plastic liners are the best bet, they provide a permanent lubrication

I dont know what people expect out of a ball joint, but 80k miles of constant small motions is a LOT of cycles...

WJM

Poll... how many people responding to this thread are mech engineers??

JAFO

how much for the lowers if tyou have them?