Let's talk bushings!

[nholmes]

Alright gents (and ladies if we have any in the audience), I'm looking to upgrade the differential and front/rear subframe bushings on my E92M track car and I'd love to hear any advice, tips or opinions you have.

This car is 100% OEM suspension at the moment.

Any details on exactly what specific bushings to replace while I have the car in pieces would be greatly appreciated.

This is a dedicated HPDE car that has street tags, is mostly gutted but is not a race car used in competition.





I appreciate the insight and thank you in advance.

[nholmes]

I've been sort of mulling over these:

http://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWor...ing-Set_2.html
http://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWor...m-Bearing.html
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Aluminum-...-1-Series.html

[italyix]

I have turner solid diff bushings, subframe bushings, complete bimmerworld rear spherical conversion, and am about to install the front sphericals as well soon. Used to be my daily then I got tired of the stop and go and got an EV. Car is solid and extremely well connected to the ground. Btw what cage is that?

[bigjae1976]

With solid bushings, you have to keep in mind that solid bushings will transmit loads to whatever its mounted to or in. So probably need to factor in potentially reinforcing some parts/sections of the chassis.

[nholmes]

Originally Posted by italyix

I have turner solid diff bushings, subframe bushings, complete bimmerworld rear spherical conversion, and am about to install the front sphericals as well soon. Used to be my daily then I got tired of the stop and go and got an EV. Car is solid and extremely well connected to the ground. Btw what cage is that?

Do you have any links I can check out? I'm bad at visualizing suspension components lol

My rollbar is from AE Performance, I picked it up from jolette

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

With solid bushings, you have to keep in mind that solid bushings will transmit loads to whatever its mounted to or in. So probably need to factor in potentially reinforcing some parts/sections of the chassis.

Any particular weak points with the E9X that need reinforcing?

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

With solid bushings, you have to keep in mind that solid bushings will transmit loads to whatever its mounted to or in. So probably need to factor in potentially reinforcing some parts/sections of the chassis.

there are plenty of people with solid subframe and diff bushings running around with nothing else done. care to elaborate or share some examples?

[bigjae1976]

I do recall seeing E90 strut tower reinforcement plates available. Solid camber plates certainly transfer load to the sheet metal.

I'd think about these areas...Rear shock mounts, spring perches, engine and transmission mounts/subframe members, and suspension attachment points

I haven't seen a failure of those points yet. Doesn't mean it won't happen.

[roastbeef]

the only times i have seen the rear subframe being reinforced is when someone does a true rear coilover conversion. i really dig the way it looks and how functional it must be. i'm not saying its a bad idea to reinforce, just saying people have been running solid bushings for years without ill effect.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

the only times i have seen the rear subframe being reinforced is when someone does a true rear coilover conversion. i really dig the way it looks and how functional it must be. i'm not saying its a bad idea to reinforce, just saying people have been running solid bushings for years without ill effect.

True.

Just something to keep in mind given BMW's recent track record was my point.

[italyix]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

the only times i have seen the rear subframe being reinforced is when someone does a true rear coilover conversion. i really dig the way it looks and how functional it must be. i'm not saying its a bad idea to reinforce, just saying people have been running solid bushings for years without ill effect.

I run rear coilover, no reinforcements on towers yet. But I am keeping an eye out for a used Cantrell roll cage, mounts to the rear towers

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by italyix

I run rear coilover, no reinforcements on towers yet. But I am keeping an eye out for a used Cantrell roll cage, mounts to the rear towers

Cantrell mounts the same as AE doesn't it?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by nholmes

I've been sort of mulling over these:

http://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWor...ing-Set_2.html
http://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWor...m-Bearing.html
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Aluminum-...-1-Series.html

I've had the front BW bearing, the second on your list, for the past 2 years. It's the only modification I've done that doesn't seem to have a downside! Tighter front rack, no added annoyance

[italyix]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Cantrell mounts the same as AE doesn't it?

Not really sure to be honest. The Cantrell unit mounts the rear tubes directly on top of the rear shock towers, thus providing reinforcement to that section. If the AE does this then awesome, widens my search

[nholmes]

So let's see here:

• Front Lower Control Arm Bearings
• Trailing Link Bearings
• Aluminum Subframe Bushings
• Differential Bushings

Am I missing anything else that's highly recommended?

[roastbeef]

i picked up some fall line monoballs from IND for under $400 shipped. discount code USA16 for this weekend.

[surlynkid]

Originally Posted by nholmes

So let's see here:

• Front Lower Control Arm Bearings
• Trailing Link Bearings
• Aluminum Subframe Bushings
• Differential Bushings

Am I missing anything else that's highly recommended?

Rear inner control arm bushing and bimmerworld solid links in the rear. SPL links up front.

[nholmes]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

i picked up some fall line monoballs from IND for under $400 shipped. discount code USA16 for this weekend.

Originally Posted by surlynkid

Rear inner control arm bushing and bimmerworld solid links in the rear. SPL links up front.

I hate suspension nomenclature, do either of you fine gentlemen have links?

[Rassilon]

Originally Posted by nholmes

So let's see here:

• Front Lower Control Arm Bearings
• Trailing Link Bearings
• Aluminum Subframe Bushings
• Differential Bushings

Am I missing anything else that's highly recommended?

I have the Turner lower (front) front control arm bushing, I bought it because it is not a bolt through design which is supposed to be safer? And is at similar price when on sale to the bimmerworld one. It makes steering a bit more direct and adds a bit more feedback. I think its true strength is in reducing the rubber deflection during braking. I would rank it as a 10% improvement item.

Getting solid subframe bushing installed tomorrow, and hope it reduces wheel hop when launching the car.

[nholmes]

Originally Posted by edwardgtxy

I have the Turner lower (front) front control arm bushing, I bought it because it is not a bolt through design which is supposed to be safer? And is at similar price when on sale to the bimmerworld one. It makes steering a bit more direct and adds a bit more feedback. I think its true strength is in reducing the rubber deflection during braking. I would rank it as a 10% improvement item.

Getting solid subframe bushing installed tomorrow, and hope it reduces wheel hop when launching the car.

Safer than the OEM design? Interesting.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by nholmes

I hate suspension nomenclature, do either of you fine gentlemen have links?

Ind's website. Search for fall line motorsports. Discount code USA16.

[nholmes]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Ind's website. Search for fall line motorsports. Discount code USA16.

http://ind-distribution.com/ind/fall...conversion-kit

These?

[roastbeef]

Yes sir. I'm on my phone, that's why I didn't link.