Failed MoT - another £300!!

[PeteE30Tourer]

Put me Touring in for it's MoT yesterday after forking out a fortune on the head replacement. As far as i knew, it was ok and should have passed, but of course it didn't.

Rust holes in three of the arches within 30cm of suspension mountings, plus the rear subframe bushes knackered. Parts cost next to nothing but the labour stings!

Still, looking on the bright side, the car should handle a good deal better with new sub-frame bushes fitted. Not sure exactly what to expect handling-wise though. What difference do these bushes make?

[E30Mark]

Put me Touring in for it's MoT yesterday after forking out a fortune on the head replacement. As far as i knew, it was ok and should have passed, but of course it didn't.

Rust holes in three of the arches within 30cm of suspension mountings, plus the rear subframe bushes knackered. Parts cost next to nothing but the labour stings!

Still, looking on the bright side, the car should handle a good deal better with new sub-frame bushes fitted. Not sure exactly what to expect handling-wise though. What difference do these bushes make?

Bushes should be around Ԛ£120 fitted, so that makes the welding needed Ԛ£180, seems steep. Unless thay are having to rip out the interior to get to the rust...

Some car really crash around when the rear bushes go. I never noticed any difference other than a Ԛ£120 hole in my wallet

[Ant]

Should have called me Pete !!!!

pull the car out and walk away !

[Simon13]

Pete get Mr plummer to do your sub frame! Makes a big difference, no wavering on the motor way or a feeling of steering from the rear if u get me?! If yours bushes are well gone and seized in like mine both were i think u will notice the difference mate.

Did u take it to that trade tyres place?

Hope the rust isn't bad!

[PeteE30Tourer]

Should have called me Pete !!!!

pull the car out and walk away !

I wish i had now! Trouble was, the car's MoT had expired and i was so pissed off at having it off the road so much recently and relying on lifts everywhere, so i just wanted to get it sorted and back on the road. They only charged me Ԛ£250 for the work in the end as they only charged for time spent on the job. Anyway, it's done now and the car is back on the road with a clean ticket. Those chips still coming btw?

Simon - i used the same garage i've been using for ages - behind the internetcarshowroom that has all the nearly new beemers for sale. The guy there knows his stuff pretty well, particularly with these cars and he's always happy to show me around whatever work he's doing.

Looking forward to seeing how differently it drives tomorrow.

[keith52]

Sorry to hear of your problems ,i know mine have gone and have been quoted Ԛ£70 + bushes from my local independant , what manufacturers bushes are you using as the guy will do them for but i supply the parts Cheers Keith

[PeteE30Tourer]

Keith - the parts came from Eurocarparts - didn't check if there were more or less expensive than anywhere else, but as they were only a few quid each, i wasn't bothered either way to be honest.

All i can say is that it's made an incredible difference to the car. It's so much more sure-footed on the road now. High speed corning feels far safer and there's no vagueness at all in where the car is going. I dont mind spending money on the car if you get good improvements from it. I dont suppose the welding would have given me much, other than avoiding the suspension falling off at some point in the future!

[keith52]

I agree , don't mind paying if there's a good end result , mine are squeeking and the rear feels like s**t so hopefully i'll be as impressed as you are Cheers Keith

[Adammcf]

I think mine needs new bushes all round. I hate changing them though. Might do the fronts and see if there is anywhere in Birmingham competant enough to do the rears.

[Richy325iTouring]

i got to do a topm mount on fron but i cant it the8mm undone so its a garage job
they dont know i faled yet
but i aint complaining at 20 notes to do it lol