Looking for Front Left Lower Control Arm for 2007 M35x

[fooitm35x]

Asked around in Toronto Auto parts stores and so far they tell me that my only option is OEM for about CAD$ 500.-

Found this part on Rock Auto but I can't tell if it fits on AWD car or not -
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 12&jsn=336

I don't want to invest too much into my car as I am afraid it's not going to serve me much longer.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[EdBwoy]

The alternate part numbers list at the bottom of the link you posted points to a RWD part number.

This is where I refer to for most of my pat # inquiries. What's that, about CAN$350?
https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/parts ... m=401_B001
AWD - 54501-EG300
RWD - 54501-EG00A

[fooitm35x]

Thank you!

According to the link, I need the part 54501-EJ70A for USD$ 298.56, at the moment it's CAD$ 381.
If I add shipping, import duties and taxed I'll probably end up at the same CAD$ 500 ballpark quoted locally.

What about https://www.discountinfinitiparts.com/?
Anyone used them?

[cruzad3r]

are there any salvage yard around you? worst case, go to car-part.com and search for them.

[fooitm35x]

are there any salvage yard around you? worst case, go to car-part.com and search for them.

The problem with used parts, I am told, is that one may replace a bad part with another part just as bad...
I can't do it myself, it'll cost me 2 hours of labor and wheel alignment on top, so I'd rather pay a bit more to be on the safe side.
But paying CAD$ 500 for the part, plus labor plus alignment is just too much for 11 years old car, trying to find a cheaper alternative.

Maybe it's time for a new ride but not many rear-wheels biased AWD cars are there... Infiniti, BMW, MB, Lexus, Porsche, what else?

[cruzad3r]

yes - absolutely true that if you can't maintain the car yourself to save on the labor, then this and any future "older" cars will be a pain to you and your wallet. I've done the passenger side LCA with another used part and it held up for a while. I'm in the process of doing both sides now. One thing that i just learned is that the 06-10 M35x models are the "same" and therefore you can try to source the LCA from the 2010 model with lower mileage. However for you since you're not doing the work, you need to buy new like you said to be on the safe side.

[EdBwoy]

I understand trying to find a cheaper solution. And please forgive my opinions if they clash with yours, but I wouldn't base my decision to buy another vehicle off a one-time $1000 decision.

I'll use US units to paint the picture.

I mean, unless you're buying a new car, you could be inheriting another set of bad control arms; if not immediately, maybe in 10,000 miles.

The way I think, I'd actually spend a little more money on replacing both sides (working on the assumption that if it's normal wear and tear, then the other side isn't too far behind. If it was damage from an accident, then one could wear prematurely) and maybe the sway bar bushings and links as well. That is so that I make the most of the labor and alignment charges. Then that's going to last you another 150,000 miles. Because repairs and maintenance are part of the game. Unfortunately the control arm costs what it costs, regardless of the age of the vehicle.
... unless you just want another car, you know?

[cruzad3r]

speaking of which - maybe there's a way to replace these bushings and ball joints on the LCA. the arm itself is very sturdy and hard so bending it is going to take some effort. Now if your AWD LCA is detached (looking like below) - you need to buy a new/used one



see the difference???

[fooitm35x]

@EdBwoy, excellent points, thank you!

On one side I am afraid to invest too much into this car as I don''t know how much life left in it, on another side I do want a nice new car (don't we all) but at the moment it's not at the top on my priorities nor my budget can be stretched that far...