Question on end links

[trm0053]

When I checked my front end-links they seem to move too freely (no knocking noise though), so I thought that it's time to replace them.
Just received the new ones from FCP. They're original, BMW end-links (P/N 31352283441), but they are moving freely as well.
You know how new end-links are usually very stiff and it takes quite a bit of effort to move the ball joint. These ones are not like that.

Is this normal?

[BayAreaE93]

I'm going to be doing both front and rear end links this month. As per recommendation from my friend who owns an E46 M3, I will be purchasing Ground Control adjustable front end links, and Hotchkis adjustable rear end links. Also Powerflex street bushings for front and rear sway bars

At the price point that the Genuine BMW front end links ask, just go aftermarket adjustable!

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by trm0053

When I checked my front end-links they seem to move too freely (no knocking noise though), so I thought that it's time to replace them.
Just received the new ones from FCP. They're original, BMW end-links (P/N 31352283441), but they are moving freely as well.
You know how new end-links are usually very stiff and it takes quite a bit of effort to move the ball joint. These ones are not like that.

Is this normal?

I just replaced my sway links thinking they were loose too, but that's just how they are.

Unless I'm wrong and we both got defective ones.

[trm0053]

Thanks for confirming, Ximian! I'll treat it as a design "feature"

[trm0053]

Originally Posted by BayAreaE93

I'm going to be doing both front and rear end links this month. As per recommendation from my friend who owns an E46 M3, I will be purchasing Ground Control adjustable front end links, and Hotchkis adjustable rear end links. Also Powerflex street bushings for front and rear sway bars

At the price point that the Genuine BMW front end links ask, just go aftermarket adjustable!

Yeah, I agree - the adjustable links are usually better priced, but I'm looking for longevity and weather protection - snow, salt etc.

[BayAreaE93]

Originally Posted by trm0053

Yeah, I agree - the adjustable links are usually better priced, but I'm looking for longevity and weather protection - snow, salt etc.

I'm not sure Genuine BMW will be able to offer that, they are most likely manufactured by Lemforder or Mahle and have that standard rubber that decomposes quite easily, similar to the control arms/tie rods etc. That being said, at least you'll have the FCP Euro lifetime warranty. The OEM links aren't even an option for me because I'm on lowering springs.