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Lower arms

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Secondtothird
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Lower arms

Post by Secondtothird » Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:10 pm

Hello all

I replaced my Meyle HD lower arms for a fresh pair with new ball joints for the MOT this week (passed with flying colours and no advisories, woohoo).

Anyway, I replaced the lower arms I had on because there was a little play in the ball joints. In replacing the arms I've kept the old ones, and was just wondering whether they might be worth anything to anyone.

They're Meyle HD, with ball joints that aren't knackered, just a little worn. They'd have probably got an advise at MOT, but likely not a fail. I understand the ball joints themselves can be separated from the arm, and from what I've seen are around £20 each online.

I was going to put them up on here if anyone wants them, what do you think would be a fair price?

As an extra, I've also lost the self-leveling of the xenons since the work, so I'm presuming that's a leveling sensor the garage has either damaged or not reconnected. Never rains does it!

Owen

Secondtothird
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Lower arms

Post by Secondtothird » Sat Dec 03, 2022 6:42 pm

Checked the leveling sensor on the lower arm and it seems connected and fine, anyone have any other ideas why the headlights could have stopped self leveling on switch on?

Also, do you think £80 for a pair of used but in decent condition Meyle HD lower arms with worn but still usable ball joints is fair?

Owen

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Lower arms

Post by Robster68 » Sun Dec 04, 2022 10:30 am

Secondtothird wrote: Sat Dec 03, 2022 6:42 pm Checked the leveling sensor on the lower arm and it seems connected and fine, anyone have any other ideas why the headlights could have stopped self leveling on switch on?

Also, do you think £80 for a pair of used but in decent condition Meyle HD lower arms with worn but still usable ball joints is fair?

Owen
I just replaced my front self leveling sensor and the headlights were still self leveling with the sensor not connected,you have a sensor on the rear also so check that,but if a garage did the suspension work take it back to them
I think you will struggle to give away SH worn suspension parts on here let alone sell them.

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Lower arms

Post by Zedebee » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:15 pm

Agree with the above, as it’s hard to see why anyone would want to replace theirs with yours which are already in “MOT advisory” territory. But why don’t you just put up a for sale thread?
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Lower arms

Post by Robster68 » Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:20 pm

Zedebee wrote: Sun Dec 04, 2022 12:15 pm Agree with the above, as it’s hard to see why anyone would want to replace theirs with yours which are already in “MOT advisory” territory. But why don’t you just put up a for sale thread?
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Secondtothird
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Lower arms

Post by Secondtothird » Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:46 pm

Yeah that was my initial thought, but then I thought well the arms are fine, it's only the replaceable ball joints which are worn, maybe someone else can make use of the arms themselves, which was why I'd not put up a for sale thread yet as I was wondering whether it was worth it.

By self leveling I should clarify, it's the cycling down and up on switch on I'm referring to. I can hear the motors whirring but nothing is happening.

Owen

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Lower arms

Post by Secondtothird » Mon Dec 05, 2022 2:28 pm

Garage claiming they didn't break anything. :x

Owen

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kis
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Lower arms

Post by kis » Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:59 pm

Secondtothird wrote: Mon Dec 05, 2022 2:28 pm Garage claiming they didn't break anything. :x

Owen
I would expect them to say that. I'd go back and tell them you know it was them, and for the sake of a £20 (assumption) sensor replacement you've lost a customer/future work/etc. See what they say. You can always avoid using them after anyway :rofl:

This is the value of a reputable indie. The likes of RBM will take photos during work they do. If needed update/consult you along the way so that you get what you want out of any given situation.
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Post by smorris_12 » Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:21 pm

Secondtothird wrote: Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:46 pm By self leveling I should clarify, it's the cycling down and up on switch on I'm referring to. I can hear the motors whirring but nothing is happening.
To be fair, I'd be hard pushed to see how doing the arms could break the headlight innards and would have to say coincidence (such things happen.) But then I've always been gullible.
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Lower arms

Post by Secondtothird » Tue Dec 06, 2022 6:03 pm

All very weird, passenger one started to cycle properly yesterday, just not driver side. That to me ruled out the sensor on the lower arm, so I think garage can rest easy for any responsibility (I always take to BMW specialist for servicing, but for little things like lower arms and an MOT I'll take to a trusted local indy). I'm pleased they've not done anything wrong as they've been good until now.

Today I went to take the driver's side headlight apart, and in feeling in for the leveling rod, tried it again and it's now working once more, so I'm guessing it just stuck or had something causing an issue I was able to dislodge.

I'll take it as a win for now. Thanks for all your respective input.

Owen

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kis
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Lower arms

Post by kis » Tue Dec 06, 2022 6:33 pm

smorris_12 wrote: Mon Dec 05, 2022 9:21 pm To be fair, I'd be hard pushed to see how doing the arms could break the headlight innards and would have to say coincidence (such things happen.) But then I've always been gullible.
It was discussed previously, see here viewtopic.php?t=138788

There are two leveler sensors, front and rear. The front one attaches to the driver side control arm. So this (as it was replaced) has a direct impact on the headlights even though seemingly they are not related.

I know for a fact that my car has these levelers having inspected my arms recently. My car has xenon. I'm not sure if this affects all Z4's or just those with xenon (i.e. halogen dont have the leveler sensor things).
Secondtothird wrote: Tue Dec 06, 2022 6:03 pm I'll take it as a win for now. Thanks for all your respective input.
More weird things have been known to happen if your battery is on the way out? Worth checking incase its due a re-charge/replace.
But result for now! :thumbsup:
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BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
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7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

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