When it comes to the F25 X3 and F26 X4, BMW uses stamped steel suspension components in place of cast ones, making them cheap to replace. When your suspension bushings wear out, instead of pressing out the old bushings and pressing in new ones, you simply replace the control arms with completely new units.
BMW F25 X3 and F26 X4 Rear Control Arm Replacement Symptoms
As mentioned above, the suspension components on the F25 X3 and F26 X4 are made out of stamped steel. While this is an incredibly effective way to reduce the cost of manufacturing and replacement parts, it does introduce a handful of downsides—the first being rust. The way that the components are designed, there are channels that water and salt can get trapped in. If you live in the rust belt, this can mean an early demise for these components since they are so thin.
Another downfall to the thin stamped steel components is how weak they are compared to cast ones. If you were to hit a very large pothole or brush into a curb, there is potential to bend/deform these. This will throw off your alignment and result in a vehicle that handles poorly.
Symptoms you want to watch out for that indicate rear control arm/bushing failure on your BMW X3 or X4 are:
- Popping, clunking, or clicking sounds while traveling over bumps or dips in the road
- A disconnected feeling between the steering wheel and front end of the car
- Vehicle is slow to respond to steering inputs
- Vehicle wanders on the highway or will not drive straight
- Vehicle cannot be aligned properly due to play in front suspension
As bushings are normal wear items even if your control arms are straight and free of rust/rot, we recommend replacing the components in this kit at a maximum of 80,000-miles. You should start inspecting your suspension components around the 50,000 mile mark as it is possible to begin seeing failures then.
BMW Models Applicable
This kit is made for the F25 X3 and the F26 X4 specifically.
- 2011-2017 BMW X3
- 2015-2018 BMW X4
Parts Included with BMW F25 X3 & F26 X4 Rear Control Arm Kit
- Suspension Control Arm
- Suspension Control Arm
- Suspension Control Arm
- Suspension Control Arm
- Suspension Control Arm
- Suspension Trailing Arm
- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link Nut
- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link Bolt
- Suspension Control Arm Bolt
- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link Nut
- Suspension Control Arm Bolt
- Suspension Control Arm Bolt
- Suspension Control Arm Nut
- Suspension Control Arm Eccentric Washer
- Suspension Eccentric Bolt
- Control Arm Eccentric Bolt
In the video below, Gareth Foley, our BMW Guru/Catalog Manager gets up close with this BMW F25 X3 & F26 X4 rear control arm kit. If you're unsure if this kit will work on your car, you can verify the fitment by going to our homepage and use the vehicle selection tool in the upper left corner. As usual, if you like this Really Quick Product Review, subscribe and check back here for regular releases in the future.
