I sourced a JCW suspension to add to my 05 MCS to complete the set of JCW options I have been acquiring over time.

When the dealer from Atlanta sold me the suspension kit he said I would need new rear upper control arms in order to not eat up the rear tires (camber issue I assume).

For any of you who have done this upgrade, did you have to get new control arms?

I know they aren't part of the JCW suspension kit, and that's why I'm asking.

If this isn't a requirement please advise.

Thanks in advance,

Schmagagled
05 MCS, HB/BL, JCW tune, JCW suspension in-progress

 

I did not need new control arms when i did mine on my other R53. i ran the suspension for 60K and had no wear issues or otherwise.

 

Your rear upper control arms are identical to what is on the JCWs.

Mid to late 2005s got adjustable lower control arms to help dial in camber a little. My early 2005 does not have them.

They aren't 100% needed, but I'm **** about alignment so I got an aftermarket set when I built my suspension.

You will need an alignment for toe afterwards regardless.

- andrew

 

Thanks to all who responded.

This is where I think the parts guy got the idea from (see link to RealOEM).

The part number shown for the upper link has been superseded by a newer part, which I ended up purchasing with my JCW kit on the recommendation of the parts guy.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0691

I will first install just the strut set and see if anything more needs to be done.

Oh and Andyroo; my '05 was an Oct '04 build. So maybe it's a possibility that I do need the upper link afterall? When did this change you refer to take effect?

Schmagagled

 

I hate it when someone at a dealer doesn't know what they are talking about as they are in a position that can mislead a customer easily.

Sorry you did NOT need to buy new upper control arms. And in fact they are the exact same length as the originals you had on the car so they won't change the alignment at all.
The real JCW suspension kit did have a rubber bump stop that went on the upper control arm, but only fit the newer style. That is why the kit would say you needed the newer style arm. This bumper isn't even needed as we've lowered cars way more than the JCW kit and the arms still don't hit the body.

With the JCW you technically don't need adjustable arms in the rear, but adding a set of Hsport lower arms will give you the ability to adjust the camber and toe to get it right and maximize tire wear.

 

Thanks for the reply.

So I don't need the uppers (they do look different than the ones on the car now) but new lowers would help with camber issues.

I haven't checked the repair manual but can I change the lowers without dropping the subframe? That doesn't sound like a fun job.

Schmagagled