Service & repair
E36 & E46 Suspension Refresh and Control Arm Bushings
Control arms, bushings, shocks, mounts and links for the E36 and E46 — the worn rubber that makes these cars feel loose.
An E36 or E46 that wanders, clunks or feels loose usually has tired rubber: the front control arm bushings, the ball joints, the rear trailing arm bushings, the shock mounts and the sway bar links. Each wears slowly, so the car feels normal to its owner until the worn parts are replaced.
We put the car on the lift, check every joint and bushing, and quote what is worn. Many people do the full set at once; you decide.
Signs it needs doing
- Clunks over bumps
- The car wanders or pulls on the highway
- Shimmy through the steering wheel under braking
- Uneven tire wear
What the job covers
- Inspection of control arms, ball joints, tie rods and bushings
- Shocks, struts and mounts checked
- Parts replaced as quoted
- An alignment after the work (or a referral, if we don’t do it in house)
What it costs
Every car is different at this age, so we price it once we have seen yours. Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Questions
Can you use a used part from your own shelf?
Yes, when we have one that fits your car and you agree to it. We sell used E36 and E46 parts on this site; a used part goes on the estimate marked as used, with its condition, before you approve anything.
Will I know the price before you start?
Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Where to find us
Where to bring it
Book ahead so the car has a bay and the right person when it arrives. We get back to you to agree a time.
Book an appointment3 Series Parts Service
The service shop
More of what we do
Scheduled maintenance (Inspection I / II)BMW’s Inspection I and Inspection II maintenance for the E36 and E46 — fluids, filters, plugs, brakes and a full look-over, on our estimate first.
Oil serviceOil and filter change for the BMW E36 and E46 with the right oil for your engine, plus a quick look underneath while it is on the lift.
Cooling system overhaulRadiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and hoses for the E36 and E46 — the plastic cooling parts these cars are known to crack.
VANOS repairDiagnosis and repair of the VANOS variable valve timing on E36 and E46 sixes — seals, solenoids and the M3’s high-pressure VANOS.
Book an appointment
Bring your E36 or E46 in
Nothing is booked or charged until we have talked, and any price comes as a written estimate you approve first.
Body damage, paint or rust? See our body shop. Parts for your own work: shop used E36 and E46 parts. Both shops.
Independent repair shop; not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW is a registered trademark of BMW AG.