04-10-2016, 03:41 PM | #1 |
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F30 Rear Subframe Bushings
It's been a long time since I've posted, but as I contemplate upgrades for this track season, I thought I would jump back in with a link to some some parts that I have been keeping an eye out for a couple years now... rear subframe bushings.
It looks like Bimmerworld is selling the set they developed for their F30 328 race cars (I kinda figured these guys would be first to market with these). From what I've read about this swap on other non-M cars, these are an amazing upgrade, so I'm looking forward to giving them a try.
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05-13-2016, 04:08 PM | #2 |
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Well, I guess I was the only one interested in these for F30s... makes sense now why it took so long for someone to bring them to market!
At any rate, I'll be installing them in the next couple of weeks, so impressions to follow.
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05-13-2016, 08:27 PM | #3 |
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Most people dont consider bushings until its time to replace them. I think Im currently done with suspension upgrades on my car but will be curious to hear your report.
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05-26-2016, 04:29 PM | #5 |
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Good timing for a quick update on this, as I installed them Tuesday night, and I've had a couple days driving around with them. (Ohlins Road and Track coil overs are going on today, so those will be the next review... but I wanted to do these a few days after the subframe bushings so I could post thoughts separately on each mod : )
So the verdict on the subframe bushings is extremely positive so far. Even just daily driving to work, the difference is very noticeable... the chassis feels totally solid (in a good way); GONE is that mushiness where the rear feels a bit disconnected from the frame. I was skeptical about whether these bushings would provide a noticeable improvement, but the result has exceeded the most optimistic of my expectations. If there's one downside, it's that you can more clearly feel what the rear suspension is doing, and with stock (Dinan-enhanced) dampers, the limitations of the soft dampers are much more apparent... But the Ohlins coil overs going on today should take care of that! As for NVH, there is really no degradation whatsoever. Yes, the car feels stiffer - but the suspension seems to work more effectively at maintaining compliance without the added complication of rear subframe motion. The end result is that the ride is no more harsh, just more stable, with better, more clear feedback on what the back end is doing. Back end movement is crisp, instead of squirmy. These cars absolutely should have come this way from the factory. The only challenge with rear subframe bushings is the installation. I am fortunate to have a mechanic friend (who works at a well-provisioned race shop) who helped me with the install after hours. In order to do it right, we took the entire subframe off, as we needed to use a hydraulic bearing press to get the bushings seated all the way in. All together, it took us about 7 hours... not an easy install for a DIY. So to pay a shop to do it, it certainly becomes a more expensive mod than just the $350 price of the kit... but if you're looking to take a big step forward in making the car feel more solid and communicative, then it's totally worth it.
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Ahead of the curve for specF30
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05-27-2016, 02:50 AM | #6 |
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DVC,
Is your 335i a sedan ? Did you consider retrofitting the OEM underbelly brace installed from a 4 series ?? More details about F32 brace being fitted to a F30 sedan in the thread below http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...78&postcount=7 BP
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05-28-2016, 02:52 PM | #7 | |
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06-01-2016, 12:22 PM | #9 |
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Thanks - I wasn't aware of the F32 bracing parts... very interesting that they can be fitted on the 335!
glennQNYC - did you install these parts? If so, what's the verdict??
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Ahead of the curve for specF30
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06-01-2016, 07:05 PM | #10 | |
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06-01-2016, 08:56 PM | #11 |
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Thanks... ordered it from my local dealer, and picking it up tomorrow.
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02-05-2017, 07:08 AM | #12 | |
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Rear Differential Bushings
I just wanted to add some information regarding the tools to do the rear differential bushings. I sent an email to getBMWParts and they were able to get back to me pretty quick.
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03-29-2017, 06:19 AM | #14 |
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This is really interesting.
I would be interested in other feedback regarding daily driveability and installation process, tips and tricks before taking the plunge, as this looks like a long and somewhat risky operation - not sure if it still applies or if it was for e9x only but i've seen people warning about not rupturing brake lines, needing to heat up the subframe with a flame, need for special install kits... Then regarding daily driveability i'm coming from a not so great experience with anti roll bars, having chosen something too stiff for my needs on the rear, compromising comfort *and* grip, making me extra cautious when it comes to suspension mods. Yet since the the F8x seem to need no bushings this kind of tells me it's the right thing to do.
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03-29-2017, 07:43 AM | #15 | |
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I'm not included to do an "upgrade" like this because chances are I will only need to replace the original rear subframe and differential bushings once through the usable life of the car at most. Also, it requires removing the rear subframe which is not an insignificant procedure. |
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04-27-2017, 05:58 PM | #16 |
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Powerflex now showing rear subframe bush inserts for F series cars.....
https://www.powerflex.co.uk/road-ser...s+-3189/1.html |
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04-28-2017, 08:13 AM | #17 |
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Nice, those camber / caster adjustable bushings are interesting to get 2 more degrees of control on the car geometry;
BTW I think the OEM F2x/F3x bushings are also caster adjustable as their hole is slightly off center (not as much as the powerflex), I haven't figured yet how to rotate the bushing though.
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04-28-2017, 08:37 AM | #18 | |
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stock F8x LCA and TS bushes are fixed/bonded construction and inner bush is concentric - photo of TS below Even if you could rotate the inner bush, not being eccentric, it won't amount to anything. BP
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04-28-2017, 08:39 AM | #19 | ||
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04-28-2017, 12:10 PM | #20 |
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Here's the pic to show what I mean with retrofitting F30 bushings onto F80 TS
The bushing center is slightly off and there's an indent - presumably to help rotate it.
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04-28-2017, 07:14 PM | #21 |
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I installed these with my coilovers and swaybars. The bushings were not a direct fit into my 340i, my shop called bimmeworld and had to modify the bushings to get them to fit. If I recall the bushings itself fit but the hole in the middle through which you bolt them down had to be modified. I love the outcome from a handling perspective, but I've had a lot of creaks from the rear ever since. Just getting around to diagnosing that now. Early in that process but the bushings are a potential culprit.
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