What is TSB 23-01, and how do I know if my FLCA is affected?

TSB 23-01 is a Technical Service Bulletin issued by SPL Parts in July 2023 addressing bending and fatigue of grade-8 socket head cap bolts used in earlier versions of SPL front lower control arms. The issue occurs when the retaining nut is not torqued adequately or loses torque over time, allowing the bolt to experience bending loads rather than the tension loads it was designed for. To check your kit: visually inspect the cap bolts for bending, distortion, or damage; then use a calibrated torque wrench to confirm the installed torque is at least 110 ft-lbs. If any bolt shows damage or inadequate torque, install the replacement stud hardware from this kit before further use.

What does the new stud design change compared to the original cap screw?

The original cap screw design requires the fastener to be fully removed and reinstalled each time roll center is adjusted at the knuckle. The new stud presses into the knuckle and stays in place; roll center is adjusted by changing the combination of 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stainless steel spacers above the stud, without removing the stud itself. This is faster and more repeatable for in-field roll center changes. The stud design also provides an additional 1/4 inch of roll center correction range beyond what the cap screw design allowed.

Does my FLCA already have this hardware if I ordered recently?

All current SPL FLCA kits ship with the updated stud-and-nut fastener design. If you ordered recently, the hardware in this kit is likely already installed. If your FLCA kit shipped before the design change in late 2023 or you are unsure, inspect the current fasteners per TSB 23-01 guidance and install this kit if the original cap screw design is present.

Why is SPL Parts providing this kit at cost?

SPL Parts is providing the stud replacement kit to both end users and dealers at their own cost as a goodwill quality improvement measure. Owners who purchased FLCA kits with the original cap screw hardware are not expected to absorb the cost of the design improvement. The kit is available at no margin to the customer.

Do I need a full alignment after installing this hardware?

Yes. Any change to the knuckle stud position or roll center spacer stack changes the front geometry. A full front alignment is required after installing this hardware and after any subsequent roll center adjustments to confirm that camber and the other front geometry settings are at the desired target values.

SPL Parts Lower Control Arm Stud Replacement Kit for E8x / E9x / F2x BMW 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series & M2, M3, and M4

The new hardware uses manganese phosphate-coated steel shank studs that press into the knuckle and remain in place; roll center adjustment is then made by selecting the appropriate combination of 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stainless steel adjustment spacers above the stud, without removing the stud from the knuckle each time. This is a meaningful practical improvement over the cap screw design, which required the entire fastener to be removed and reinstalled whenever roll center was being changed. It also adds 1/4 inch of additional roll center correction range compared to the previous socket head cap screw design. 304 stainless steel adapter spacer bushings and plated Nylock nuts complete the hardware set. Updated installation instructions are provided by SPL Parts for every affected BMW platform and for other vehicles in the FLCA lineup. SPL is providing this kit at their own cost to both end users and dealers; this is not a standard for-profit product but a quality and safety improvement offered at no margin to the customer. Existing FLCA owners on the listed platforms should inspect their current cap bolts per TSB 23-01 guidance and install this hardware kit if the inspection reveals bending, damage, or torque below 110 ft-lbs.

Features

Replacement hardware per SPL Parts TSB 23-01; replaces original socket head cap screw design in earlier FLCA kits
Manganese phosphate-coated steel shank studs; press into the knuckle and remain in place for repeat roll center adjustments without stud removal
Adds 1/4 inch of additional roll center correction range compared to the previous socket head cap screw design
304 stainless steel adjustment spacers in 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch heights; allows roll center to be adjusted by changing the spacer stack without removing the stud
304 stainless steel adapter spacer bushings
Plated Nylock nuts
Updated installation instructions provided by SPL Parts for all affected BMW platforms and additional vehicle applications
Provided at SPL’s cost to end users and dealers; not a standard retail product but a goodwill quality improvement kit

Specifications

Material: High-strength steel
Replaces: OEM aluminum studs
Sold As: Complete kit (one car)
Origin: Made in the USA

Applications

BMW 118d: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 120d: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 123d: E81, E87 | 2007-2013
BMW 116i: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 118i: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 120i: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 125i: E81, E87 | 2007-2013
BMW 128i: E82, E88 | 2007-2013
BMW 130i: E81, E87 | 2004-2013
BMW 135i: E82, E88 | 2007-2013
BMW 1M Coupé: E82 | 2011-2012
BMW 318d: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 320d: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 325d: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 330d: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 335d: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2006-2013
BMW 316i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 318i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 320i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 323i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2011
BMW 325i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 328i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 330i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2005-2013
BMW 335i: E90, E91, E92, E93 | 2006-2013
BMW 116d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 118d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 120d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 125d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 114i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 116i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 118i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 120i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 125i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 128ti: F20, F21 | 2019-2019
BMW 135i: F20, F21 | 2012-2016
BMW 220d: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 225d: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 220i: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 228i: F22, F23 | 2014-2016
BMW 230i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW 240i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW 316d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 318d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 320d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 325d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 330d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 335d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 330e: F30, F31 | 2015-2019
BMW 316i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 318i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 320i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 328i: F30, F31 | 2012-2016
BMW 330i: F30, F31 | 2016-2019
BMW 335i: F30, F31 | 2012-2015
BMW 340i: F30, F31 | 2015-2019
BMW 420d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 425d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 430d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 435d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 420i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 428i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2016
BMW 430i: F32, F33, F36 | 2016-2020
BMW 435i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2016
BMW 440i: F32, F33, F36 | 2016-2020
BMW M235i: F22, F23 | 2014-2016
BMW M135i: F20, F21 | 2012-2016
BMW M140i: F20, F21 | 2016-2019
BMW M240i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW M340i: F30, F31 | 2019
BMW M2: F87 | 2016-2021
BMW M3: E90, E92, E93, F80 | 2007-2018
BMW M4: F82, F83 | 2014-2020

Notes

Installation Instructions available please contact us for your vehicles instructions.
SPL components are made-to-order in the USA; build time will be confirmed at the time of order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSB 23-01, and how do I know if my FLCA is affected? TSB 23-01 is a Technical Service Bulletin issued by SPL Parts in July 2023 addressing bending and fatigue of the grade-8 socket head cap bolts used in earlier versions of SPL front lower control arms. The issue occurs when the retaining nut is not torqued adequately or loses torque over time, allowing the bolt to experience bending loads rather than tension loads it was designed for. The bulletin affects FLCA kits across multiple BMW and other platforms that shipped before the design change. To check your kit: visually inspect the cap bolts for bending, distortion, or damage; then use a calibrated torque wrench to confirm the installed torque is at least 110 ft-lbs. If any bolt shows damage or inadequate torque, install the replacement stud hardware from this kit before further use.
What does the new stud design change compared to the original cap screw? The original cap screw design requires the fastener to be fully removed and reinstalled each time roll center is adjusted at the knuckle. The new stud presses into the knuckle and stays in place; roll center is adjusted by changing the combination of 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stainless steel spacers above the stud, without removing the stud itself. This is faster and more repeatable for in-field roll center changes. The stud design also provides an additional 1/4 inch of roll center correction range beyond what the cap screw design allowed.
Does my FLCA already have this hardware if I ordered recently? All current SPL FLCA kits ship with the updated stud-and-nut fastener design. If you ordered recently, the hardware in this kit is likely already installed. If your FLCA kit shipped before the design change in late 2023 or you are unsure, inspect the current fasteners per TSB 23-01 guidance and install this kit if the original cap screw design is present.
Why is SPL Parts providing this kit at cost? SPL Parts is providing the stud replacement kit to both end users and dealers at their own cost as a goodwill quality improvement measure. The decision reflects SPL’s standard of standing behind their products; owners who purchased FLCA kits with the original cap screw hardware are not expected to absorb the cost of the design improvement. The kit is available at no margin to the customer.
Do I need a full alignment after installing this hardware? Yes. Any change to the knuckle stud position or roll center spacer stack changes the front geometry. A full front alignment is required after installing this hardware and after any subsequent roll center adjustments to confirm that camber and the other front geometry settings are at the desired target values.

About SPL Parts

SPL Parts is a USA-based manufacturer of high-performance suspension components engineered for both professional racing and demanding street applications. Built on the core principles of strength, lightweight construction, low friction, and precision, SPL Parts products deliver the adjustability and alignment performance required by top race teams and discerning enthusiasts alike. Every component is produced using USA-sourced, certified materials and machined by experienced local shops to exacting tolerances. Professional TIG welders ensure maximum weld integrity, while each part is hand-fitted and treated with anti-seize and 3M internal panel coating for lasting protection. SPL Parts conducts all research and development in-house, allowing the team to leverage firsthand product knowledge and deliver unmatched customer support. Their suspension components feature innovative adjuster designs for quicker, more precise alignments, and utilize spherical bearings with Teflon liners that are self-cleaning, self-lubricating, and built for long service life. From concept to assembly, SPL Parts is made with pride in the USA by skilled machinists and welders who are committed to quality, innovation, and performance.

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SPL Parts Lower Control Arm Stud Replacement Kit for E8x / E9x / F2x BMW 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series & M2, M3, and M4 [SPLSRKE9X]

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