Steering Tie Rod End Replacement Guide for the 2007-2015 BMW 335i
Restore your BMW's sharp, responsive steering by understanding how to choose the right aftermarket tie rod ends.
- You must get a professional wheel alignment immediately after replacing tie rod ends to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
- Verify if your 335i is an E9x (2007-2013) or F30 (2012-2015) chassis before ordering, as the parts are different.
- For best results, choose OEM-supplier brands like CRP or Delphi, and replace the inner and outer tie rods as a complete assembly.
- Always replace tie rods in pairs (left and right) to maintain balanced steering and handling.
Is Your BMW's Steering Feeling Off? It Could Be the Tie Rod Ends
If your 335i has started to feel less like a precision driving machine and more like it's wandering on the road, worn tie rod ends could be the culprit. These small joints wear out over time from normal use, and hitting potholes or curbs can accelerate their demise. Ignoring the symptoms won't just affect the driving experience; it can lead to expensive tire replacements and a car that's unsafe to drive.
Key Symptoms of a Failing Tie Rod End
- Loose or Vague Steering: You may notice a "dead spot" when the steering wheel is centered, or a general feeling of looseness while driving. The car might feel like it's wandering, requiring constant small corrections to stay straight.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: A distinct clunk or pop from the front end when turning the wheel at low speeds, like in a parking lot, is a classic sign of a worn tie rod joint.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn tie rods allow the wheel alignment's "toe" setting to shift, causing rapid and uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of your front tires.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: A shaky steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can be caused by the excess play in a failing tie rod end.
A Critical Ordering Mistake to Avoid
The 2007-2015 year range for the BMW 335i covers two different generations: the E9x chassis (E90 sedan, E91 wagon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible) from 2007-2013, and the F30 chassis sedan from 2012-2015. These cars use different parts. Furthermore, RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and xDrive (All-Wheel Drive) models often have different tie rod assemblies. Always verify your vehicle's specific model, year, and drivetrain before ordering parts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod Brand
Not all aftermarket parts are created equal. For a BMW, selecting a quality part is key to preserving the car's intended steering feel. The brands available can generally be grouped into tiers.
Tier 1: OEM Supplier Quality
These brands are often the original manufacturers for BMW parts, sold without the BMW logo at a lower price. They offer the best fit and feel, identical to the original part.
- CRP (Rein): Often re-packages parts from original equipment manufacturers. A very reliable choice.
- Delphi: A well-respected OEM supplier for many European cars, known for quality.
Note: While not on the provided list, Lemförder and TRW are the actual OEM suppliers for BMW suspension parts and are highly recommended in owner forums. Brands like CRP may sometimes supply these parts in their boxes.
Tier 2: High-Quality Aftermarket
These brands engineer their parts to meet or exceed OEM specifications, sometimes including design improvements.
- Moog: Known for producing durable, problem-solving parts that are often stronger than the original.
- Mevotech: Focuses on durability and ease of installation, often with improvements over the stock design.
- Beck/Arnley: Sources parts from various quality manufacturers to provide an OEM-equivalent product.
Tier 3: Standard/Economy
These brands offer a functional replacement at a budget-friendly price, though they may not provide the same longevity or precise steering feel as higher-tier options.
- Vaico: A budget-friendly option for many European car parts.
- Dorman: Provides a wide range of affordable replacement parts.
- Suspensia: Another economy-focused brand.
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace both inner and outer tie rods at the same time. If the outer joint is worn, the inner joint has experienced the same amount of stress and is likely near the end of its life. You should also replace them on both the left and right sides of the car to maintain balanced and predictable handling.
Cost Comparison for Tie Rod End Replacement
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Tie Rod End (Single) | $22 - $80 |
| New OEM Tie Rod Assembly (Single) | $110 - $210 |
| Shop Labor (per side) | $100 - $200 |
| Mandatory Wheel Alignment | $100 - $180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I absolutely need a wheel alignment after replacing tie rods?
Yes. This is not optional. Replacing a tie rod end directly affects the front wheels' toe alignment. Driving without an immediate alignment will cause extremely rapid tire wear, poor handling, a crooked steering wheel, and can even trigger stability control (DSC) errors. Factor the cost of an alignment into your budget for this repair.
What's the difference between an inner and an outer tie rod?
The outer tie rod is the part with the visible ball joint that connects to your steering knuckle. The inner tie rod connects the outer tie rod to the steering rack and is covered by a flexible rubber boot. They work together as a complete assembly for each side.
Are there any recalls for 335i tie rods?
No. While BMW issued a recall (NHTSA 20V-355) for steering gear tie rods on some 2019-2020 3-Series models, this recall does not apply to any 2007-2015 BMW 335i. There are no major recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for widespread tie rod failure on the E9x or F30 335i models.
Can I replace just the one broken side?
While you technically can, it is strongly advised against. If the tie rod on one side has failed due to age and mileage, the other side is likely in similar condition. Replacing only one side can result in unbalanced steering feel and handling characteristics. For safety and performance, always replace suspension components in pairs (left and right).
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 32106765235 (E9x RWD Left) 32106765236 (E9x RWD Right) 32106767781 (E9x RWD Left Outer) 32106767782 (E9x RWD Right Outer)
The assembly consists of an inner tie rod that threads into the steering rack and an outer tie rod end with a ball joint that attaches to the steering knuckle. An adjustment sleeve connects the two, allowing for toe alignment.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- BMW 335i:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your BMW's Steering Feeling Off? It Could Be the Tie Rod Ends
- Key Symptoms of a Failing Tie Rod End
- A Critical Ordering Mistake to Avoid
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod Brand
- Tier 1: OEM Supplier Quality
- Tier 2: High-Quality Aftermarket
- Tier 3: Standard/Economy
- Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
- Cost Comparison for Tie Rod End Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
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