Idler Arm '93 525iT - BMW Forum

MadCityAndy · 03-05-2009, 10:08 AM

Just got a replacement idler arm and have kind of a dumb but quick question:
The new arm doesn't have any moving parts. Shouldn't I be able to rotate the metal sleeve inside the rubber bushing? (Does the sleeve rotate around the mounting bolt?)

Haven't taken the old one off yet, but don't want to if my new part is defective and the Bentley's drawing isn't much help.

Thanks for the help!

marti5 · 03-05-2009, 10:27 AM

If its Genuine BMW should be correct ( my mate use to work in the BMW distribution centre and all parts are checked 3 times before dispatch), if its not genuine? well I dont know, sorry.

MadCityAndy · 03-05-2009, 12:06 PM

I got mine from BMWPartsWeb. It's a $17 part made by MTC. They also sell a Lemforder part for $47, but the photos of the two parts are identical!

By "Genuine BMW" are you recommending I pitch the $17 part and go to the dealer? I think list on that part is $100.

I guess I was hoping someone could just tell me how the part works before I crawl under the car. Looking more closely at just the bushing, it appears that the bolt sleeve is bonded to the bushing material. I guess I'll know more when I take it apart...