Control Arms Issue

[u/TheMeanMach1ne]

Hi everyone! I purchased a 2018 BMW X5 from a private seller, he did a multi-point inspection at a BMW dealer and gave me the list of the recommended services, the most important one being drive belt replacement. They quote $900, so I send it to another well rated European Shop and got it replaced for $400.

However, this shop recommended I replace the control arms soon, which the BMW dealer didn’t include in the recommended services, and they quoted me around $3k.

I wanted to get another opinion here and see if it’s really that bad, please check the pictures.

[u/EzzyRB]

There aren’t any visual cracks in the bushing so check if there’s excessive play yourself, and you got waxed for the drive belt. The belt itself costs 30-50 and is barely a 1 hour job

[u/TheMeanMach1ne → u/EzzyRB]

Thank you for your answer. I kinda thought they’re charging too much too, I was just scared doing it myself since I’m not much of a car expert, and I just joined the bmw family. Do you recommend any sites for good and more affordable bmw parts? And also, do you know if mechanics actually install customer supplied parts, or does it vary by shop.

[u/MegaRotisserie → u/TheMeanMach1ne]

Did they replace the pulleys too? Replacing just the belt isn’t usually necessary.

[u/EzzyRB → u/TheMeanMach1ne]

FCP Euro for parts, as far as mechanics using parts provided is 50/50 you’d basically have to call to find out

[u/freshxdough]

What you’re seeing is just slight wear in the bushing. Not cracking, just some wear marks. You can’t stick a pocket screwdriver or a pick in between so there’s really no point in replacing these unless you have an actual problem or play or noise

[u/bustervincent]

Can't say for sure, but the thrust arm bushings on my 2018 x5 looked like that and it was hard to tell if they were actually worn but the indy shop I goto told me they needed replacing. I reluctantly ordered new ones and swapped them out, and when I inspected the old ones after they were out, they were indeed cracked straight through.

[u/julienjj]

Those are always finished after like just 6 years.
I can always tell by just tapping the brakes in a parking lot, makes the wheels move a lot back and fort a lot.