I've read a lot about bushings for 540's and M5's but what about a 02 525I? I'm also pretty confused at to what direction/orientation they should be pressed in since the writeups specify M5's and debate if the key goes towards the ball or not.

Why not use the OE bushing? They are generally good for 4-5 years or 80K.

The arrow on the bushing points to the arm.

or why not buy the new arms with the bushings already installed?

How about the bavauto polyurethane bushings for the thrust arms?
I just put them in and love the way the car handles - much more direct steering and no more shimmy.

I don't want to buy OE e39 bushings because I'm told there are superior ones to mine. I'm told the M5 or 7 series has better made ones. If I'm going to go through the hassle of doing this I'm buying the best bushings.

I'm not replacing the whole arm because I only have 50K on the car and I think it is a waste. Removing the ball joint is another deal altogether and not something I want to get into if not necessary.

I will look at bavauto polyurethane.

The M5 or X5 bushing will NOT fit - they do on the V-8's, but not on the 6-cyl. FYI, the 6-cyl bushings for the X5 will NOT fit either. I checked on all of those and decided to go with the Poly bushings.

I also don't think you'll need new control arms either, as they usually don't wear out - mine were fine at 122,000 miles. The bushings on the other hand were completely shot.

The aftermarket ones are better, stiffer, than OEM.

IF the 7s and the X5s fit they would still be OEM material.

Thank you guys..I'm ordering the poly bushings.

Are the ones at Bavauto the best?

OlyVR - Ready to buy at bavauto and I read on a webpage that these need to be regulary removed and lubed??