BMW 535d xDrive Center (Drag) Link Replacement at your home or office.

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 535d xDrive Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $313 with $218 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2016 BMW 535d xDriveL6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$550.15Shop/Dealer Price$676.44 - $1015.94
2015 BMW 535d xDriveL6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$530.15Shop/Dealer Price$656.47 - $995.99
2014 BMW 535d xDriveL6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$530.15Shop/Dealer Price$656.47 - $995.99
Show example BMW 535d xDrive Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

  • In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
  • Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
  • One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective center drag link is removed
  • The new center drag link is installed
  • The vehicle is removed from jack stands
  • The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

  • Vibration while driving
  • Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

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(6,667)

Rating Summary
6,214
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6,214
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Eliud

23 years of experience
203 reviews
Eliud
23 years of experience
BMW 535d xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo Diesel - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Loganville, Georgia
GReat service and even arrived earlier than our appointment which worked great for me. Was willing to answer all of my questions

Shawn

12 years of experience
292 reviews
Shawn
12 years of experience
BMW 535d xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo Diesel - Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front, Passenger Side Front) - Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Professional. Friendly, goes above and beyond

Danny

11 years of experience
269 reviews
Danny
11 years of experience
BMW X5 L6-3.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Overall 5 stars but reduced on to 4 stars as audio quality on report as almost inaudible. Otherwise the pre-purchase inspection report was very thorough and the pictures were super hi res and detailed. Overall, it gave me the information I needed to make a purchase decision on a vehicle from a distance, something I had never done before. The 84$ was well spent to get peace of mind and save thousands by internet shopping for a car. Risky still but this great report takes some of the risk out. Well done.

Breck

20 years of experience
681 reviews
Breck
20 years of experience
BMW 328i L6-3.0L - Creaking noise when turning the steering wheel - Houston, Texas
Excellent! Breck was Professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Was right on time and very efficient. Much appreciate!

Excellent Rating

(6,667)

Rating Summary
6,214
206
60
44
143
6,214
206
60
44
143
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services done by our mechanics
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