Which Front Lower Arm Bushes?

[autobahn_stormer]

Im replacing the main bushes on my front lower arms and I need to know which to order, I want better location and sharper handling, so do I go for OE, powerflex, superflex, offset, normal etc, which is best, its an unmodified 316....

[ed325i]

I would fit eccentric m3 powerflex ones.
Look here >> http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=15274

[autobahn_stormer]

great link thanks I will definately be using that, what advantages do the eccentrics bring?

[mac325i]

Im using powerflex eccentrics and recommend them, benefits include quicker turn in, and more stability under braking, they are also easier to fit than o.e. replacements.

the original bushes were in good condition when i swapped and I felt a difference, the steering feels sharper and more precise.
who else has these? and what difference did you feel?

im sure anyone who has them will agree they are a worthwile mod

you will need the tracking adjusting to get the best out of them as the castor is increased

HTH

[buster]

i was told the original m3 ones are better.Not sure which are though tbh

[DanThe]

Ive got the M3 eccentric fitted on mine and cant fault them. Cant see there being much difference to be noted between the genuine and powerflex apart from the genuine obviously look better and are pressed in rather than pushed in by hand which would deter me.
Genuine being made of rubber would probably transmit less vibration.

Cost about £50 I think but cant remember the exact price

[mac325i]

i think the genuine m3 are cheaper than the powerflex

[Demlotcrew]

There is a difference! The M3 ones dont alter caster/toe mid corner.

Andrew

[buster]

There is a difference! The M3 ones dont alter caster/toe mid corner.

Andrew

yeah i think im going for gen bmw ones

[autobahn_stormer]

There is a difference! The M3 ones dont alter caster/toe mid corner.

Andrew

is that meaning the powerflex versions do? the car is otherwise unmodified I just want everything tighter, would I be better with the normal ones then?

[Brianmoooore]

OE BMW bushes come in both eccentric and concentric flavours.

[DanThe]

What about the solids? I was looking for some concentric genuines not so long ago and got nowhere?

[Brianmoooore]

What about the solids? I was looking for some concentric genuines not so long ago and got nowhere?

it's the solid ones I mean.
IIRC, the concentrics and eccentrics are both from E36 M3s, but from different years.
Someone out there must know the details and part numbers.

[buster]

i thought the concentric are standard e30 and the eccentrics standard e30 m3

[autobahn_stormer]

ive just ordered the regular powerflex jobs from demon tweeks. needed them asap and they had them in stock, im sure it will be an improvement, also doing new front brakes at the same time, next on the list, rear shocks and new camshaft hehe.

[M5pilot]

Do not think for one second that these powerflex bushes are going to be fitted by hand. You need a press.

The Powerflex have their pro's and con's.

Pros:

- never need to change them and if they do fail you get a free set under warranty
- if you need to change your control arms the PF bushes do not need to be replaced like OEM ones do
- Cheaper than OEM @ £35 a pair from E30Zone Shop.

Cons:

-Andrew correctly states that castor is altered during mid corner BUT only if you have a serious amount of suspension travel. If you have a car that does not roll much then the amount of castor change is neglible.
- Care must be taken on fitting such that the outer bush is not damaged and the bush is properly lubricated. Otherwise it's premature failure and squeking.

Sal

[Ziggy]

- Care must be taken on fitting such that the outer bush is not damaged and the bush is properly lubricated. Otherwise it's premature failure and squeking.

Sal

With? Just the stuff that comes with em, or do they need any further maintenance? Ta

[robsy]

interesting this bush lark -

looking to do the same to my E30 cab as it doesnt handle too well even though ive just put some new bilsteins in - which bushes would you recommend for stiffness and handling for mine (dont mean to hijack the thread)

[autobahn_stormer]

can anyone tell me how you get the bloody old ones off the lower wishbone, they are stuck solid, haynes says puller this and that well i dont have any pullers, help! the car is currently unuseable!

[old_skool]

can anyone tell me how you get the bloody old ones off the lower wishbone, they are stuck solid, haynes says puller this and that well i dont have any pullers, help! the car is currently unuseable!

Cut round the rubber veins of the bush with a hack saw blade, that will separate the lower arm from "the lollypop" then cut remaining rubber carefully off the control arm (wishbone)

Cut bush out of the lollypop with the hacksaw blade. I cut mine through twice at opposite sides then just ping a section of the bush reinforment out, the rest will then pop out.

[chu346]

Do not think for one second that these powerflex bushes are going to be fitted by hand. You need a press.

I don't know about the M3 ones but the normal powerflex bushes are easily fitted by hand.

[old_skool]

Hang on, will post a quick pic....

[old_skool]

Hope this makes it clearer...

[autobahn_stormer]

cool thanks mate i will give that a try, its really trying my patience now, it doesnt help thats it bloody freezing out!