Front Anti Roll Bar Bushes - Convertible.

[FinalD]

Right so I'm changing the front anti roll bar bushes on the cab as the old ones were shot and it seemed like a sensible thing to do whilst the engine is out (more space to shout and swear at the car). Anyway, I ordered what should be the correct bushes from BMW but they appear to be too big. I've tried swearing, shouting, hitting with a hammer, ensuring they are in the carriers with a vice, etc.

Images of my bushes:






Now to me it looks like they sit too proud of the carrier, is this normal?

When I try to fit them to the car there is no chance I can get the bolts to line up and be done up.




As you can see, when it is pushed up to the subframe the bush stops the carrier from meeting the subframe.

Have I/BMW got the wrong bushes?

I c an *just* get the bolt holes to line up if I put a G clamp on the carrier and subframe, the down side to this is I can't get a bolt in the holes as the clamp is in the way.

This is really annoying me as I wanted to get the ARB fitted asap so I can then get the engine in. As it stands it looks like I'm going to have to put the engine in later today and sod the ARB until afterwards.

[daimlerman]

I use a mole grip to close the bracket to the subframe,located carefully so that the bolt will enter.Another method that I have used is to fit a longer bolt,hold the bracket in place with the moley,and swap the bolt over.

[FinalD]

So it is just meant to be a right bugger to fit, that's good to know (kind of). I'll go back outside and swear some more.

[FinalD]

All sorted. Cheers fella.

I used bolt + molegrips and it is now seated properly. Whilst laying under there I've noticed that my lollipops are knackered...bum...more spending. I suppose the question for that is, do I go concentric or eccentric?

[jimmyspeed]

eccentric you can really feel the difference

[FinalD]

I wouldn't notice...I've never driven this car...I bought it with a blown engine.

For £20 more (total cost for the pair) it does seem like the right thing to do though, especially if it improves handling etc. as I understand the convertibles are a bit boaty.

[daimlerman]

I have run two E30's side by side,one with concentric bushes,one with eccentric bushes. Even 'er indoors commented that the car with eccentrics 'steered better'!

Cabbie's need to be set up for ride comfort over handling,I use M-tec springs and matching Borge Sport gas dampers,15'' wheels with 205/55 tyres. IMO,anything lower or stiffer will make the cabbie shell flex too much,so is self defeating.