Lower control arm ball joints replacement

I have been hearing rubbing noise when rolling at lower speed <2500rpm, the stealer told me it's due to bad lower control arm at passenger side, and as usual, they recommend replacing LCA #1 on both sides, and also the ball joints #4 along with them in below chart.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...=31&fg=05&hl=1

My questions:
1. I already replaced both LCA bushings 10k ago, back then the shop told me the LCA's still good. So I suspect the passenger side LCA's busted due to a horrible pothole while turning months ago when I busted front strut mount, axel, tire... I only replaced the axel on passenger side but did replace both front strut mounts. So should I replace LCA on both sides or just passenger side where it's broken
2. Do I need to replace #4? I've done searches on the forum, most people reported replacing LCA #1 and bushings #3, but never any talk about #4. Does #4 contribute to the rubbing/grinding noise I hear?

Car's at 130k. I'm trying to make the most sensible decision here as l already paid for labor $300 replacing mounts and bushings and the allignment. Trying not to pay for allignment everytime I have to replace another part of the same problem...

On question 2, part #4 is unique to the XI - see link for the non-XI FCA http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...00&hg=31&fg=05

I do have a XI. The question still stands. Is #4 suspectible to wear as much as LCA/bushing that has been long documented in e46

Yes #4 is ball joint, must be replaced at 130k miles. They have a rebuild kit for non-xi models but I think you're gonna have to add parts one by one. You practically need everything on that picture, including new bolts and nuts.

Common problem with the E46 AWD Xi's, that point on the control arm meets with the subframe ball joint and sometimes would need replacing based on mileage. The rest of the components they mentioned, depend on their condition really could just be the ball joint needed. Looks like the below, side specific.



Have both side available as well as the kit, hope this helps.
http://www.fcpeuro.com/search?utf8=%...ds=31126756695

Originally Posted by FCPGroton

Common problem with the E46 AWD Xi's, that point on the control arm meets with the subframe ball joint and sometimes would need replacing based on mileage. The rest of the components they mentioned, depend on their condition really could just be the ball joint needed. Looks like the below, side specific.



Have both side available as well as the kit, hope this helps.
http://www.fcpeuro.com/search?utf8=%...ds=31126756695

how do you tell if it's this part that needs replaced?

i had some noise/creaking today in my control arm and what I did was stuck a needle/grease gun in the joint boots and pumped some grease in there. went away