BMW Repair: Thumping noise when turning, control arm bushings, thump thump

Question
I have a 2003 330xi with a little more the 50K on it.  I notice that
when I turn to the right or left there is a thumping noise that seems
to be coming from the front end of the car. The "thump, thump"
changes rate with the speed of the car. I think that you might feel a
vibration in the steering wheel as well. I took the car to the dealer
and they suggested it was a bad tire or rim (they agreed that they
could hear the noise).  Since the tires need changing, I got new
tires and had the rims checked.  No problems with the rims
according to the tire place and the new tires are nice, but the noise
is still there. The noise might be less pronounced now so that you
have to be going a bit faster.   Any thoughts?

Answer
Matt, I would make sure the front control arm bushings are good and haven't leaked out. Those are good for about 50-60K miles anyways. If those are okay then I would suspect a failing wheel bearing. Is it worse on right turn or left turn. Always replace the lock nut,wheel hub, and wheel bearing together. Control arm bushings are cheaper to replace so I would try them first.
-Evan