BMW E46 Z4 Lower Control Arm Kit with Bushes - Level 1 Refresher Kit

BMW E46 / Z4 Front Control Arm & Bush Refresher Kit

The BMW E46 earned its reputation through sharp steering, balance and excellent road feel. When the front control arms, ball joints and control arm bushes wear, that famous BMW precision can slowly disappear. This Level 1 kit replaces the major lower front suspension wear components on both sides of the vehicle.

CAKT6506 Level 1 Kit Includes

• 1 x Left Front Lower Control Arm
• 1 x Right Front Lower Control Arm
• 2 x Front Control Arm Bush Assemblies
• Complete 4-Piece Level 1 Suspension Refresher Kit

Please note: Mounting bolts are not included.

Is Level 1 Enough, or Should You Upgrade to Level 2?

If your mechanic has confirmed that the control arms and bushes are the only worn components, CAKT6506 Level 1 is a sensible repair.

If the vehicle also has steering play, loose rack ends, worn tie-rod ends or knocking stabiliser links, consider upgrading to CAKT6507 Level 2.

Level 2 adds the main steering linkage and stabiliser-link wear components to the same control-arm repair, allowing a much more comprehensive front-end refresh before the vehicle goes for wheel alignment.

Front-End Component	CAKT6506 Level 1	CAKT6507 Level 2
Lower Control Arms	2	2
Control Arm Bush Assemblies	2	2
Outer Tie Rod Ends	Not Included	2
Rack Ends / Inner Tie Rods	Not Included	2
Front Stabiliser Links	Not Included	2
Total Kit Pieces	4 Pieces	10 Pieces

Planning to Keep the Car? Look at CAKT6507 Level 2

On an ageing E46, wear is rarely limited by the calendar to one suspension component at a time. If the rack ends, tie-rod ends or stabiliser links already have play, fitting Level 1 today and replacing those parts shortly afterwards can mean additional workshop time and another alignment.

CAKT6507 Level 2 includes all four Level 1 components plus 2 tie-rod ends, 2 rack ends and 2 front stabiliser links.

View CAKT6507 Level 2 Refresher Kit

• Steering-wheel shimmy or vibration, particularly during braking
• Knocking or clunking from the front suspension
• Loose or vague steering feel
• Wandering or tramlining on uneven roads
• Reduced stability under braking
• Frequent steering correction at speed
• Irregular or accelerated front tyre wear
• Visible cracking or excessive movement in the control arm bushes

Diagnosis matters: A steering-wheel shake under braking does not automatically mean the control arm bushes are faulty. Brake discs, tyres, wheels, tie rods and other steering or suspension components can produce similar symptoms. Inspect the complete front end before replacing parts.

Before fitting another expensive set of tyres: inspect the control arms, control arm bushes, rack ends, tie-rod ends, shock absorbers and wheel alignment. Repair the worn components first and align the vehicle afterwards.

Ask your mechanic to inspect the front shocks if you notice:

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Excessive nose dive under braking
• A floaty or poorly controlled ride
• Oil leakage from the strut body
• Cupped or scalloped tyre wear
• Knocking or movement at the upper strut mounting

• Rack Ends / Inner Tie Rods - check for play at the steering rack side.
• Outer Tie Rod Ends - wear can cause steering looseness and poor wheel control.
• Front Stabiliser Links - worn joints commonly produce knocking over small bumps.
• Front Stabiliser Bar Bushes - inspect for rubber deterioration or excessive movement.
• Front Shock Absorbers / Struts - inspect damping performance and leakage.
• Front Shock / Strut Mountings - inspect for cracking, noise and excessive movement.
• Bump Stops & Dust Boots - sensible service items if the struts are being dismantled.
• Front Tyres - examine the tread pattern for evidence of existing suspension or alignment problems.

Simple rule:
Control arms and bushes worn, steering joints healthy = Level 1 CAKT6506.
Control arms plus steering or stabiliser linkage wear = Level 2 CAKT6507.

Steering and suspension components are safety-critical and should be fitted by a competent technician using the correct BMW workshop procedures and tightening specifications.

A professional wheel alignment should be performed after the suspension work has been completed.

What is the difference between CAKT6506 and CAKT6507?

CAKT6506 Level 1 contains two complete lower control arms and two control arm bush assemblies. CAKT6507 Level 2 contains those same four components and additionally includes two outer tie-rod ends, two rack ends / inner tie rods and two front stabiliser links.

Which kit should I buy?

If only the control arms and bushes have been diagnosed as worn, Level 1 is appropriate. If the steering linkage or stabiliser links also have wear, Level 2 provides a more comprehensive front-end refresh.

Can worn E46 control arm bushes cause steering-wheel shake when braking?

Excessive movement in the control arm bushes can contribute to braking shimmy and front-end instability. Brake discs, tyres, wheels and other steering components can cause similar symptoms, so correct diagnosis is important.

Can worn control arms contribute to tyre wear?

Yes. Excessive movement in worn bushes or ball joints can prevent the wheel from maintaining its intended position under road load, potentially contributing to irregular tyre wear and poor directional stability.

Will this kit repair worn shock absorbers?

No. Shock absorbers perform a different function. If they are leaking, bouncing excessively or no longer controlling the vehicle properly, the shocks and their mountings should be inspected separately.

Should I replace the rack ends and tie-rod ends at the same time?

Only if they are worn. If play is already present, however, replacing them during the same repair is sensible because steering work will affect alignment. CAKT6507 Level 2 includes both rack ends and outer tie-rod ends.

Do I need wheel alignment afterwards?

Yes. Professional wheel alignment is strongly recommended after control-arm or steering component replacement.

Level 1 or Level 2? Inspect First, Then Do the Job Properly.

CAKT6506 is the foundation: both lower control arms and both control arm bush assemblies.

If your E46 also has worn rack ends, tie-rod ends or stabiliser links, upgrade to the 10-piece CAKT6507 Level 2 Suspension Refresher Kit and tackle the wider front-end wear before the vehicle goes for alignment.

View CAKT6507 Level 2