E36 Bushing Replacement

[anxious]

Ok. My latest project is that I'm thinking of replacing the all the bushing on my E36 soon.

My reading thus far has revealed that fresh new bushes will made the car fee as "good as new".

So guys pls share your experiences.

The main bushes seem to be:-

i) Control Arm Bush (front)
ii) Rear Trailing Arm Bush
iii) Sway Link/Anti Roll Bar Bush

Anything else?

What's the difference b/w standard vs M3 bushes?
(I am not interested in poly utherane bushes)

I believe this diagram shows the location of the bushes that can be changed.



So guys any comments are most welcome.

Thanks.

[Jeron]

For most parts the M bushings are stiffer, but some parts they are the same. I would get M bushings for everything.

Replace these for sure:
CAB(check if yours are centered or offset)
RTAB
RSM(E46M3 are the stiffest)

I would check the sway end links, control arm balls and tie rod ends.

These usually last a long time: subframe bush, rear control arm bush. The rubber in the strut hats

Rear spring pad lasts forever

Sway bar bushings dont normally go bad.

I would probably replace the motor mounts and tranny mounts. While your at it check the Guibo.

Poly bushings are good for CAB and RSM.

[dfrost]

As long as you're doing the RTAB bushings, you might also consider the Ground Control Delrin RTAB shims. I added those to my E36 325i as a prevention measure. Can't say that I noticed any specific improvement from them since I got new RTABs at the same time, but I also noticed no problems either.

Have you replaced your transmission mounts? If so, UUC's (or similar aftermarket) seem like an improvement over anything from BMW, but I found that their reinforcement sleeves added vibration, so I took those off.

[anxious]

Thanks,my further research has revealed that apart from:-

i) Control Arm Bush
ii) Rear Trailing Arm Bush
iii) Sway Link/Anti Roll Bar Bush

A suspension rework would also entail :-

iv) Rear Control Rrm Bushing( 2 pcs outer & 2 pcs inner)
( Note: I think this is aka Rear Beam Mounting Bush/ Subframe Bush, pls confirm)
v) Ball Joints (F)

Anything else? ( I changed the absorbers & absorber mounting earlier this year)

Should I stick to standard OEM or get M bushes. I am not too keen on poly as I dont want my ride to be harsh as I am more of a cruiser than a boy racer.

I've read that M3 bushes improves the handling with little loss to comfort as opposed to poly bushes.

Yes I have also changes the transmission and engine mountings.

Thanks

[Jeron]

I gave my opinion and answered most of that in my post.

The rear control arm and rear subframe bushings are distinct (i.e. not aka).

If you want soft get non-M. If you want improved handling and more road feel get M.

[coolbear1]

You might consider your rear shock mounts,I have had to replace them on my e36 twice. I kept hearing a thumping noise coming from the trunk. The first time it almost drove me crazy. I stripped everything including the speakers out of the trunk and still couldn't find it. I tried to have my wife take me for a ride in the trunk.

She refused.

Thank god, I am too big. If I had gotten in , They would have aired me on an episode of Rescue 911 when they cut the car up to get me out.

[anxious]

Thanks guys. I got my E36 earlier this year. My car was owned by an elderly gentlemen who hardly used it. Unfortunately neither did he maintain it properly so I had lots done.

Now that I've sorted out the neglect, I'm considering improvements and I am considering the bushes.

I had the engine & transmission mounting done.
Absorbers & absorber mounts done.
Tie rod done.

This is my car.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1509507...7603292162679/

I owned a E30 for 4 years before this and am absolutely hooked on bimmers.

So thanks again for all your advise.

Anxious
Malaysia