Hi folks

I purchased a 2025 BMW 220i with around 17k. Car was pulling slightly so had 4 wheel alignment carried out and in spec. While up on ramp it was noted that upper control arms on both sides front could move slightly back.and forth. Albeit minimal but can still move. Is this normal or do I have issues with ball joints or bushes or need new arms under 60 day warranty. Must say car is still pulling and there are no unusual noises

Morning Gary

Welcome to the Forum

At 17k I would suspect that the Bushes are OK but check that the Upper Control Arms are torqued correctly 

The supplying garage should take care of that with no argument even if it means new upper arms, as these are faults that were are present at sale. Even if it is outside their 60day warranty the sale of goods act is on your side as clearly the car in its current condition isn't suitable for purpose

Push Good Luck

Dave

10 hours ago, Greydog said:

Morning Gary

Welcome to the Forum

At 17k I would suspect that the Bushes are OK but check that the Upper Control Arms are torqued correctly 

The supplying garage should take care of that with no argument even if it means new upper arms, as these are faults that were are present at sale. Even if it is outside their 60day warranty the sale of goods act is on your side as clearly the car in its current condition isn't suitable for purpose

Push Good Luck

Dave

Thanks so much Dave

 I have car booked in tomorrow with BMW so will feedback what they say.

Many thanks

 

Gary

Hi Dave 

 

Back from BMW today who checked car over and said everything is in spec and correct. They are saying control.arm is supposed to move and also near bushes as there spring loaded. Find this strange? I literally move the arms back and forth with ease.

Stick what to do or where to go now?

Had a suspension  check at weekend albeit from Halfords and they pointed the arms out as needing replaced. Car still under warranty so guessing if I was paying they would be saying needs changed.

Gary 

 

Morning Gary

Sorry chum never heard of spring loaded suspension bushes before. A couple of points (1) there are no upper control arms on the front of your car? There are Front and Rear bushes on the lower wishbone at the top there is the strut mount. (2) Your rear suspension has upper front and rear control arms the front control arm allows suspension adjustment by the use of an eccentric bolt.

So if you have a car which pulls to one side something is clearly not right at only 17k, are all the tyres the same make and tread pattern? are they correctly inflated? are the brakes binding (is one hotter after a run)? The supplying garage has a legal requirement to make the car suitable for purpose, tell them you want it fixed or you will reject the car and ask for your money back. Write to them outlining when the issue was first raised with them and the amount of visits to try and cure the issue tell them it is not acceptable and if they cannot fix it you will have no alternative but to reject the car under the sale of goods act.

Good Luck

Dave

 

 

Thanks Dave 

 

It's going back in tomorrow. They say it may be a poor alignment issue? But will check. Sorry they had said to me it was a control.arm? It can move very easily and more so when car on plate and off ground. With wheel turned  can easily  see movement around the bushes. Still they said that's normal. Something is far wrong as the car handles really poorly at higher speeds and cornering.

I'll update after it's been checked again

👍