OCP Level 1 Front Suspension 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.
Has Your E46 Lost That Tight BMW Front-End Feel?
Suspension wear normally develops gradually. Because you drive the car every day, it is easy to become accustomed to the deterioration until the E46 no longer feels as tight or predictable as it once did.
You may notice more steering correction on the highway, knocking over bumps, wandering on uneven roads, a shimmy through the steering wheel under braking or unusual front tyre wear.
On the E46 platform the front lower control arms, integrated ball joints and rear control arm bushes work together to accurately locate the front wheels. Once wear develops, unwanted movement can begin to affect steering feel, braking stability and tyre control.
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.
Before You Order
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
More Than Just Two Aluminium Arms
The E46 front lower control-arm assembly incorporates ball joints into the arm. Those joints allow the suspension and steering to move while holding the wheel in the correct position under braking, cornering and changing road loads.
Replacing the complete arms therefore refreshes more than the aluminium structure itself. It replaces the worn articulated joints contained in the control-arm assemblies at the same time.
The Famous E46 "Lollipop" Bushes
BMW enthusiasts commonly refer to the rear control arm bush assemblies as "lollipop bushes" because of the shape of their mounting brackets.
Their job is far more serious than the nickname suggests. These bushes locate the rear of each front control arm while allowing controlled suspension movement.
As the rubber ages it can soften, crack, tear or separate. The control arm can then move more than intended under braking and cornering, allowing the wheel to shift relative to the body.
Common E46 Control Arm & Bush Wear Symptoms
- 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.
Don't Let a Suspension Problem Become a Tyre Problem
Wheel alignment assumes that the suspension components are capable of holding the wheels where the alignment technician sets them.
If worn bushes or ball joints allow excessive movement, wheel position can change while braking, cornering and driving over uneven surfaces. This can contribute to irregular tyre wear and poor directional stability.
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.
What About the Front Shocks?
The control arms and shock absorbers perform different jobs. The control arms and bushes locate and guide the wheel, while the shock absorber controls spring and suspension movement.
Worn control arms do not automatically mean the shocks have failed. However, an E46 old enough to require suspension arms and bushes may also have ageing dampers, upper mountings and related components.
This makes a control-arm replacement an excellent opportunity to inspect the rest of the front suspension.
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
Already Paying for Front Suspension Labour? Inspect These Parts Too
Level 1 is not intended to make you replace good components unnecessarily. It is intended to solve a defined control-arm repair properly.
But while the BMW is already on the lift, ask the workshop to inspect the rest of the system. If another component already has measurable wear, replacing it during the same repair can save duplicated labour and another trip for alignment.
- 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.
When Does CAKT6507 Level 2 Make More Sense?
Choose Level 2 when inspection shows that the control arms are not the only worn components.
CAKT6507 adds the inner rack ends, outer tie-rod ends and stabiliser links. These components form part of the steering and front anti-roll-bar linkage and can each contribute their own looseness, knocking or imprecise steering when worn.
Because the vehicle should be aligned after steering and suspension work, replacing already-worn steering joints at the same time can be more economical than repairing the car in several separate stages.
Simple rule:
Control arms and bushes worn, steering joints healthy = Level 1 CAKT6506.
Control arms plus steering or stabiliser linkage wear = Level 2 CAKT6507.
Installation & Wheel Alignment
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.
Please Confirm Vehicle Fitment
BMW used different front suspension components across E46 derivatives and drivetrain configurations. M3 and certain all-wheel-drive / Xi applications use different components from standard rear-wheel-drive E46 models.
If you are uncertain about fitment, send OCP your 17-digit VIN before ordering and we can assist with identifying the correct application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
BUILD THE REPAIR THAT YOUR BMW ACTUALLY NEEDS
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
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