$400-500 to replace trailing control arm bushings?

[not28]

Does this sound right to you? I took my e46 328i to a pretty reputable BMW place in Pittsburgh, and they found that my trailing control arm bushings were all shades of messed up. They quoted replacement at around $450 (give or take, I don't have the paperwork in front of me). Does this sound right?

[Smilez@EuroDyne]

at a dealer sounds about right. it's a PAIN to remove bushings. parts will be roughly 60-100, but takes a while. see if you can search a DIY and also find an independent (indy) shop.

[not28]

I'm looking around online and considering the DIY path. I found these parts:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ID=31126757623

Sounds like these will work on an e46 328i, rear. Correct?

[ZHP]

Originally Posted by not28

I'm looking around online and considering the DIY path. I found these parts:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ID=31126757623

Sounds like these will work on an e46 328i, rear. Correct?

No, those are front control arm bushings (CABs). You said you need rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs)

If the estimate above includes an alignment, it's really not all that bad a price. If you don't have an RTAB tool ( ~$100 from mistools.net), the job can be a real pain and you'll still need to take it in for an alignment.

[not28]

Originally Posted by ZHP

No, those are front control arm bushings (CABs). You said you need rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs)

If the estimate above includes an alignment, it's really not all that bad a price. If you don't have an RTAB tool ( ~$100 from mistools.net), the job can be a real pain and you'll still need to take it in for an alignment.

After I posted that link I actually found the difference between RTABs and front bushings. I actually did find a DIY for the rear bushings that did not include the tool you mentioned, but rear looks much more difficult than front. I think I may just go with their quote, because it does include an alignment.

[sho24vdohc]

Do it yourself. takes 1.5 hours. then get an alignment. If you are putting poly bushings in it takes about 45 min.

[ZHP]

I always advise against poly RTABs but especially for the average daily driven car. Their only tangible benefit is that it takes maybe 1 minute instead of 5 to install them.

[sho24vdohc]

Not this argument again. Poly are better on some levels. But then again oem has its benefits over poly. To each his own.

[driver145]

Can you guys maybe discuss the pros and cons (as unbiased as possible)?

I got a deal on a combo powerflex set of FCABs and RTABs, so it would be nice to know before I install them. Just a little harsher ride and maybe some more noise, but with better performance?

[hyptnochicken]

Hey driver145 why does your car look like its on the set of the Shawshank Redemption?

[driver145]

Originally Posted by hyptnochicken

Hey driver145 why does your car look like its on the set of the Shawshank Redemption?

Its wants to be on the other side of the fence... (which is a racetrack).

[sockethead]

Originally Posted by ZHP

No, those are front control arm bushings (CABs). You said you need rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs)

If the estimate above includes an alignment, it's really not all that bad a price. If you don't have an RTAB tool ( ~$100 from mistools.net), the job can be a real pain and you'll still need to take it in for an alignment.

Interesting site, mistools.net. I'm glad you posted that. It's always good to find relatively inexpensive tools designed by people who actually work on the cars.

I also noted that they say there is a newer style OEM bushing that is stiffer:

"New style bushings with part number: 33-32-6-770-817"
"These are the stiffest OEM rubber bushings you can buy and are an updated design from BMW itself. These are ideal and recommended for all E36/E46 M3 as they are an updated part number. The updated M3 bushings will fit all also all E36 and E46, 3-Series from 1992-2006 and E85/E86 (Z4)"

[TC535i]

I hate poly RTABs, they don't allow the normal lateral translation of the BMW arm as well as I've never seen a car that didn't have a creaking problem with them. Add to that the additional shock on the bushing carrier and stories of the carrier bolts ripping out of the chassis, and I'm running stock M3 RTABs with the urethane side shims on both my track/autocross e36 M3 and my daily driven e46 330i.

Same deal with front lower control arm bushings in my opinion.

[sho24vdohc]

Polys will net you some NVH. But if you plan on tracking they are great and keep the trailing arms from wandering. THe limiters are excellent as well. I cant complain of the creaking because after 1000's of miles in my e36 M3 mine were silent and like new as well as my friends e46 polys have 15k on them with no creaks and NO sign of wear at all. I only greased mine at installation too with the grease supplied..

Ive witnessed new lemforders going bad after one track session(without limiters). If you want the bushings to last you must at least get the limiters if you plan on ever tracking or autocrossing. If you track alot i would go with poly.

In any case, stock replacements are way better than worn bushings on any level so at a minimum just replace them.

For the record....i have 149k on my e46 and the stock bushings still seem fine 75k miles since replacement. So it really depends on the way you drive your car.

[hyptnochicken]

Looks similar to Shawshank..

[dak1b]

my front suspension bushings are torn and the dealership quoted me a ridcoulous price $500..i never get work done at dealerships because of this...my mechanic (formerly worked at the dealership quoted me $300 for parts + labor...my suggestion wud be find a trusted mechanic and f the dealership!

[cook28]

Not a bad price. If you are comfortable with basic mechanics it can be done in a few hours. The hardest part in my opinion is realigning the new bushing in the arm and getting a good press fit. There are some generic home made pipe concoctions posted out there for help. I used a vise and that also worked. Alignment following is critical or you will be facing new tires every 10 months.