The control arms look like a quite simple task on the Z4 without any major issues, I think mine are just starting to have the occasional clunk, the car is from 2006 and low mileage, but the rubber is probably starting to break down, think when they go I will do a swap of the springs and shock obsorbers for coil over shocks as I want to keep the car till I retire and beyond if the British Government do not tax me of the road financially in an attempt to get me to swap for an EV, if I can drive my 2007 E85 Z4 2.5i until it is 40 years old I will be happy :)
The control arms are easy to do (not sure about parts/labour pricing your side of the world, but probably cheaper than you would think). Also made a big difference in how the car feels, so I would recommend doing it anyway. Coil overs will probably make the car even more stiff than it already is, but I'm sure the handling would be insane with a proper spring setup! The emissions regulations your side are crazy! None of that here in SA (except a little emissions tax when you buy a new car). I hope it doesn't get worse and that you get to keep your Z4!
Glad you got it sorted out. What were the symptoms of bad control arm bushings other than clunking? I just purchased a 2004 Z4 with 38k miles. I wouldn't expect my control arm bushings to be bad with so few miles, but the car has the worst tramlining of any vehicle I've ever driven. It does have run-flat tires.
Thank you! The tramlining is better, but still noticeable. I also did wheel alignment after changing the control arms which definitely helped. My suspicion is that the run flats are the main culprit for this, though
I have the same problem with the tramlining. Bushes seems in good condition. I have two sized rims 225/40 front and 245/35 rear, so maybe it will help when i will fit 225/45 to all wheels. Goin to replace front arm bushing in the beginning of the next year as well tho.
@@bresek874 Tramlining = runflats - I had one of these when it was only 18 months old back in the day and the tramlining was terrible. Changed the tyres to non run-flat and totally went away ...
I never got rid of the tramlining after replacing everything, I think it’s just the geometry of the car with low profile, wide tyres, along with the electric steering.
The absence of any rust is a joy to behold. Wish mine was like that!
Thank you! It helps that the car was upcountry for most of it's life
it's nice to see you working with handtools , no air pressured tools .
Thank you, also keeps me from having to go to the gym so win-win I guess 😄
The control arms look like a quite simple task on the Z4 without any major issues, I think mine are just starting to have the occasional clunk, the car is from 2006 and low mileage, but the rubber is probably starting to break down, think when they go I will do a swap of the springs and shock obsorbers for coil over shocks as I want to keep the car till I retire and beyond if the British Government do not tax me of the road financially in an attempt to get me to swap for an EV, if I can drive my 2007 E85 Z4 2.5i until it is 40 years old I will be happy :)
The control arms are easy to do (not sure about parts/labour pricing your side of the world, but probably cheaper than you would think). Also made a big difference in how the car feels, so I would recommend doing it anyway. Coil overs will probably make the car even more stiff than it already is, but I'm sure the handling would be insane with a proper spring setup! The emissions regulations your side are crazy! None of that here in SA (except a little emissions tax when you buy a new car). I hope it doesn't get worse and that you get to keep your Z4!
Nice vids I've just bought my first 20 year old Z4 also and planning on replacing everything underneath . God work
Thank you! Car feels super solid with the new control arms. Absolute worthwhile maintenance
do you put any thread lock on the nuts to stop them from getting loose? how tight do they have to be?
We are in the same boat. Bought mine 2 weeks ago. Looking for interior trim. Busy with cam replacements
Best of luck with your project! Can confirm that it is worth it. fantastic little car
Glad you got it sorted out. What were the symptoms of bad control arm bushings other than clunking? I just purchased a 2004 Z4 with 38k miles. I wouldn't expect my control arm bushings to be bad with so few miles, but the car has the worst tramlining of any vehicle I've ever driven. It does have run-flat tires.
Thank you! The tramlining is better, but still noticeable. I also did wheel alignment after changing the control arms which definitely helped. My suspicion is that the run flats are the main culprit for this, though
I have the same problem with the tramlining. Bushes seems in good condition. I have two sized rims 225/40 front and 245/35 rear, so maybe it will help when i will fit 225/45 to all wheels. Goin to replace front arm bushing in the beginning of the next year as well tho.
@@bresek874 Tramlining = runflats - I had one of these when it was only 18 months old back in the day and the tramlining was terrible. Changed the tyres to non run-flat and totally went away ...
I never got rid of the tramlining after replacing everything, I think it’s just the geometry of the car with low profile, wide tyres, along with the electric steering.