At 125k miles what are best front suspension parts to replace?

[1320racer]

I have a F10 M5 with 125k miles and I want to completely refresh the front suspension. For those who have done this before, is this kit from FCP Euro one of the best for the money, or is it more than what is truly needed.

When below 40 F and driving over speed bumps, I have a crunching sound that seems like it is coming from the front left suspension. Goes away as soon as it’s warm, both air temp and motor temp if winter.

All hints and advice are welcome


Added:10/8/2023
Qty Part SKU Brand Price
1 Suspension Control Arm LEM-3621201 $132.99
1 Suspension Control Arm LEM-3621301 $132.99
1 Suspension Control Arm LEM-3734201 $225.14
1 Suspension Control Arm LEM-3734301 $217.54
2 Suspension Ball Joint LEM-3734901 $115.98
2 Suspension Control Arm LEM-3721601 $327.98
2 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link LEM-3460101 $43.98
2 Suspension Control Arm Bolt BMW-31106786310 Available
1 Suspension Control Arm Nut BMW-31106783591 $10.99
1 Suspension Control Arm Nut BMW-31106783592 $11.19
2 Suspension Control Arm Bolt BMW-33176760342 $24.38
4 Suspension Control Arm Nut BMW-33306760349 $18.36
2 Suspension Control Arm Bolt BMW-07119906495 $12.18
4 Suspension Control Arm Bolt BMW-07119907882 $14.36
2 Suspension Control Arm Nut BMW-33306760585 $9.98
2 Suspension Control Arm Nut BMW-31106866023 $10.38
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-31126777739kt

[co_pa]

More of a hint than a 1:1 experience.

I purchased my 2016 M5 base in '20 CPO'd. It spent its life, all 12K miles of it, in Minnesota (i.e. cold as hell). After delivery and a Michigan winter I could tell something was "off" with the suspension ... crunching, squeaking, creeking. I went ahead and did the Dinan HAS kit anyway in the spring.

Fast forward to the following winter and both the noise and performance was unbearable. Dealer diagnosed front left control arm kit - arms, bushings, etc. We agreed might as well do both and freshen things up.

Bam. Brand new again. Never heard another noise, it was taught and better than ever.

(Now I'm missing my F10 ...)

[1320racer]

Thanks for sharing your expierince co_pa. I’m glad all is still working well with your M5’s front suspension.

I am hoping someone still chimes in and mentions that parts “a” and “b”don’t really wear out but parts “x”, “y” and “z” definitely are the leading candidates to be changed. You kinda’ got me started when you listed “control arms and bushings”.

[Alrock31]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

I have a F10 M5 with 125k miles and I want to completely refresh the front suspension. For those who have done this before, is this kit from FCP Euro one of the best for the money, or is it more than what is truly needed.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-31126777739kt

When below 40 F and driving over speed bumps, I have a crunching sound that seems like it is coming from the front left suspension. Goes away as soon as it’s warm, both air temp and motor temp if winter.

All hints and advice are welcome

These don’t look like M5 parts.

[M5Rick]

Says on the car spec that the parts will fit the M5 after I punched in the model, they haven't the M stamped on them as only the BMW arms have those. Should be identical in that case when compared side by side.

[SpeedProtocol]

those are not m5 parts in the picture, thats not what the control arms look like. you are looking at 2k to replace m5 control arms(just the lower 4. parts only). The bushings are much better in the m5 arms but the balljoints are still shit. mine were toast @45k

[Blaxwil]

At 80k miles I replaced my ball joints and control arms when I put the KWHas V4 coilovers on. I couldn’t believe how much the car needed them. So I would say they start to fade at about the 60K mile mark.

[M5Rick]

^^ If it is the case that those aftermarket hanger parts are a no fit for the M5 f10 then the firm that markets them may be in trouble with an applicable trade description act that relates to these things, the bolts and nuts that hold them are genuine BMW they say.
If however they do fit snugly despite looking slightly different then they are a reduced price (by some margin) alternative to the genuine product.

[1320racer]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

^^ If it is the case that those aftermarket hanger parts are a no fit for the M5 f10 then the firm that markets them may be in trouble with an applicable trade description act that relates to these things, the bolts and nuts that hold them are genuine BMW they say.
If however they do fit snugly despite looking slightly different then they are a reduced price (by some margin) alternative to the genuine product.

I’m still searching out info and making calls this next week. I’ll report back with what I’m able to find. I just know my front suspension has seen better days and I need it to be safe and confidence inspiring.

Tuner Motor Sport info and have options for upgrades

[SpeedProtocol]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

^^ If it is the case that those aftermarket hanger parts are a no fit for the M5 f10 then the firm that markets them may be in trouble with an applicable trade description act that relates to these things, the bolts and nuts that hold them are genuine BMW they say.
If however they do fit snugly despite looking slightly different then they are a reduced price (by some margin) alternative to the genuine product.

Its not just the shape thats different. the bushings are completely different. those are the fluid filled ones on the lower models. the M arms have solid rubber bushings. if you look at them you can spot the difference.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...m6-31122284975

[1320racer]

I appreciate everyone’s input. Thank you!

“erikm54life · #15 · Nov 4, 2013
Lemfoeder are the OEM supplier to BMW. But...... a good friend of mine in the trade states that the arms that are sold in the aftermarket are not exactly the same as the ones supplied to BMW!”

The above seems to be the general consensus. They are a supplier to bmw, but on some of their “aftermarket” suspension parts, like the bushings, THEY ARE NOT EXACTLY THE SAME QUALITY. I will be speaking more with FPC as the shape of some of these parts may not be fully accurate (up to date) either.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Droner

Its not just the shape thats different. the bushings are completely different. those are the fluid filled ones on the lower models. the M arms have solid rubber bushings. if you look at them you can spot the difference.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...m6-31122284975

I'm sure this is important info for anyone wanting to replace their suspension arms. If Lemforder do supply arms for BMW's then it's worth asking the supplier if the arms do indeed have solid rubber bushings for the M5's and he should put you right,,hopefully

[iknowspurgeon]

REALLY glad you created this post. I have 137k on my f10 and i am hearing all kinds of noises and i feel that the suspension is weak despite what the stealership says. Car feels like crap at higher speeds and i have lost confidence during high speed lane changes.

Thanks. Now i just have to find someone in Atlanta

Since this post has started, has anyone ordered true M5 replacement parts? Is this a DIY job???

Thanks and stay safe.

[SpeedProtocol]

It can be a DIY job if you have some mechanic skills. I did mine myself.