Hi Everyone,

I have a 2006 MCS with 33k miles on it. I took the car in for regular scheduled inspection where the dealer told me that my control arm bushings are damaged and need replacement. They said the replacement is covered under warranty but I would have to pay for the wheel alignment ($149). This doesn't sound right to me - I wouldn't have had to do the alignment if the bushings were fine.

What do you think? Should I just agree and shell out the 149$? Has anyone else had any similar experiences?

Regards,
Kid

 

My dealer told me they where not cover under warranty, and wanted to charge my around $800 for repair and alignment. If you know they are bad and your not looking for stiffer bushings, then I would go for it.
Just my 2cents.

 

They are covered under warranty... and why the alignment?? if the bushings are worn then yes your alignment may be off, but when you install new bushings your alignment should be right back to normal, no??

 

I had my bushings replaced under warranty on my 2003 with about 40,000 miles on it. I paid nothing for anything.

 

To get the bushings out, they might have to remove parts of the subframe. When that is put back in, it might not be in the same spot, thus the need for an alignment.

 

Once again I think we have a semantics issue and the differenct 'tween the pre-paid maintenance and warranty.

If you are still under the maintenance period this item should be covered - I know people who've gotten it done that way.

If out of maintenance, no this is not a warranty item. It is wear and tear.

Curiously mine, and a few others I know, had this problem identified the first time the car went to the dealer out of pre-paid maintenance....this was also when I was first told I needed brakes (at cost to me) but since I had just put on new brakes DIY I was dubious.

The lower front control arm bushing on the right side was deteriorated I came to discover when I took the car to an independent BMW mechanic. The rubber bushing had become oil soaked and broken down....this is where oil spilled from the filter during routine changes had gotten to. The rubber bushing on this side was mush.

This is a very expensive repair by the book, pulling the arm to press in the new bushing. I found a BMW specialist (he does a lot of local race car work) who knew how to do it in less time, w/out pulling the frame off & replaced with poly for about half the dealer cost....he'd fabricated a special tool he used on BMW's which works fine

If ya need this done around Norfolk VA I can point ya to the right guy. He's done the job for many in the local group.

I had an alignment done at the same time....my choice after discussion. It was time anyway, as new tires were going on.

I'm also now very careful about ensuring there's no oil residue down there after a change.....Mr steam cleaner helps.