Control arm - Delphi vs Meyle

[Sulokim]

I need to replace front control arms in my E86.

From my research it sounds like Meyle is the preferred brand, on Autodoc they are £233.50 for a pair - https://www.autodoc.co.uk/meyle/2121590.

Another option is Delphi - https://www.gsfcarparts.com/products/front-track-control-arm-lower-lh-za019141 and https://www.gsfcarparts.com/products/front-track-control-arm-lower-rh-za019142 which are in stock locally. Is there going to be a significant difference? I would rather get it locally, Autodoc can take weeks to deliver and the car is already jacked up and all covers taken off. Or should I consider a different brand?

 

[RMB]

You can get genuine ones from vertu on eBay for under £140 each without the lollipops though….
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385943513989?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=x6wlfvforuu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=tYWyouTrRES&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Zedebee]

I have a pair of OEM lollipops in good condition.

I have used FAG control arms in the past which have been fine.

 

[Rockhopper]

Lemforder is OEM, Meyle HD is next best.

Plenty of other dealers sell them, not just AutoDoc.

 

[enuff_zed]

One thing to check, if you have Xenon lights and the self-levelling sensor, is that the RH one has the mounting hole for the arm. Not all do, though I think this may only apply to the cheaper end of the range?

 

[Sulokim]

Plenty of other dealers sell them, not just AutoDoc.

How do I know if seller is trusted? I found this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/252205055
price is right and quick delivery but eBay says it won't fit my car, even though I'm pretty sure it's the right part.

 

[enuff_zed]

Plenty of other dealers sell them, not just AutoDoc.

How do I know if seller is trusted? I found this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/252205055
price is right and quick delivery but eBay says it won't fit my car, even though I'm pretty sure it's the right part.

The photo quality is poor, but I cannot see the mounting hole for the self-levelling sensor?
If your car has that fitted then maybe that's why it says its not th correct one?

 

[Sulokim]

If your car has that fitted then maybe that's why it says its not th correct one?

Good point, I'm fairly sure I don't have xenons but I'll check before ordering. Thanks!

 

[Zedebee]

Plenty of other dealers sell them, not just AutoDoc.

How do I know if seller is trusted? I found this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/252205055
price is right and quick delivery but eBay says it won't fit my car, even though I'm pretty sure it's the right part.

Shown as fitting all my former Z4s, including an E86, so should be OK for you. You are always taking a chance on genuineness with these random eBay sellers, but these seem to be a good price for HDs.

Edit - just checked and it does seem to be a genuine UK company.

 

[Sulokim]

Just checked, definitely not xenons.
I'm going to go for https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354580363858 - a bit more expensive but a lot bigger seller so should be safer.
I'm going to keep the car in jacked up and hopefully will fit them the moment they come.

 

[Mike6]

Need to replace mine on 2005 2.5 se. Are these all the same fit. Is it an easy job. Thanks

 

[Sulokim]

Need to replace mine on 2005 2.5 se. Are these all the same fit. Is it an easy job. Thanks

It's harder than I expected, especially when it's all as rusted as mine. I undid all the bolts except for one, there is not enough space to put the spanner in. Removing ball joints is also going to be fun.