<e36> It's time - e36 ball joints, control arm bushings

[Mike Schaublin <mschaublin@xxxxxxxxx>]

     To all e36 and suspension gurus out there,
     
     Thanks to input from the list, I've obtained a complete M3 suspension 
     to install onto my 94 325, which I will install in a few weeks. Since 
     the car has over 50K and the front is rattling over bumps, I figure 
     it's time to do the ball joints and/or the control arm bushings.  
     Here's my questions: 
     
     1.  Should I change both the ball joints and the control arm bushings 
     at the same time?  I would assume there is a lot of labor common to 
     doing both jobs so it would make sense to do them together.  Is this 
     true?
     
     2.  Since I am upgrading to the M3 suspension, is there a different 
     ball joint or control arm bushing for the M3, or should I replace with 
     the standard 325 pieces?  Is there a recommended parts source other 
     than the dealer?  
     
     3.  I will be doing the suspension install myself.  Can I do the ball 
     joints & bushings myself?  (I do not have the BMW e36 ball joint tool. 
      Does anyone in the Detroit area have one to rent or lend?)  
     
     4.  If I cannot do the ball joints & bushings myself, should I have 
     these replaced prior to installing the M3 suspension or does it not 
     matter if it's done before or after the M3 suspension is installed?  
     
     5.  I may need to have a shop do some of this work.  Any 
     recommendations for a source for suspension work and alignments in the 
     northern Detroit suburbs (Bloomfield Hills area)? 
     
     Thanks for your help.  
     
     Mike Schaublin
     BMWCCA 160901

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