'07 E63:

Is it ok to just replace the two bushings & ball joint on control arm instead of buying new control arm?
I see savings on parts. How about labor cost?

 

Great question. Seems like more labor, and the price of the arm is not that large.

 

new arm (loaded) is $285 online, 2 bushings & ball joint is $118. So some savings if you press in new bushings & replace ball joint? (I would rather spend $$ on mods)

 

I have personally worked with many german bushings and ball joints. Quite a bit of hard work to get them in and out.

 

While my ball joint experience has been limited to 'murican trucks, I have always found it worth the money to get the pre-prepped arm.

 

I agree. Unless you have your own hydraulic press (or access to one) and have spare time, just get the complete arm.

 

If you are not doing it yourself the extra labor cost will likely make the cost close to getting all new arms which is what I recommend and just finished redoing my entire front end.

 

+1 on the arms as stated before. If you're not going to do the labor yourself, just get the arm (Assuming your 63 arm is just like the 55 arm). It is just not worth the effort and frustration and even with the right tools, i've seen shops sometimes have to soak the arm in penetrating oil overnight just to pop out the ball joints/bushings.

 

I have a press, and I'd rather buy a complete arm.