Help. I am just becoming acquainted with my fiances' 1999, 3 series. The service guy says she will need "front thrust rod bushings". I can't seem to locate this item in the shop manual. Is the item called something else ?

Just a guess, but the "thrust rod" sounds like it might be the control arm rear bushing. This is a large rubber press mounted bushing that takes all the horizontal energy for the front suspension (like cruising over spped bumps, potholes and the like).

Closetbrit

This may help, just like Tamvegas said it's the Lower Control Arm Bushing

Check out this web site: http://www.ohiomotorcycle.com/understeer/lcab.shtml

Good Luck

Skycity_BMW

ClosetBrit - Thanks a bunch for the further tip. I had gotten urethane bushings to replace my very worn ones, but because of the heat & dryness out here in the high desert local mechanics will not install them. I was wondering how to get a firmer set and will probably be trying out the M3 bushing recommended in the article you quoted.

Thanks again!

Just a guess, but the "thrust rod" sounds like it might be the control arm rear bushing. This is a large rubber press mounted bushing that takes all the horizontal energy for the front suspension (like cruising over spped bumps, potholes and the like).Thank you tamvegas & Skycity BMW. I do apprecicte the help.