Nolathane rear subframe bushings review

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by vtl

Haha definitely not. Fastest I've ever done a subframe bushing job was around 2.5 hours. I'd say 3 max in a day, unless everyone is pitching in.

JB4-335 I'm actually coming to Syd in Oct for some NBT retrofitting so might have some time for extra car work.

Hit me up if you have any extra time while your up here. We could use my brothers in laws warehouse that has multiple compressors and a shit load of tools.

[Cheungs]

Major props on DIYing a tool - I had no idea where to start.

Ended up hiring a subframe tool from mechanics tool hire that got the job done

[OzJustin]

Originally Posted by Cheungs

Major props on DIYing a tool - I had no idea where to start.

Ended up hiring a subframe tool from mechanics tool hire that got the job done

Good thinking. Can I ask how much it was to hire the subframe press tool?

[Cheungs]

Originally Posted by OzJustin

Good thinking. Can I ask how much it was to hire the subframe press tool?

I borrowed the E87 'suspension bush tool' DM11-A1458 for 5 days and it came to $100.

Bonus was that they scheduled (and paid for) a courier to pick it back up off me.

[OzJustin]

Originally Posted by Cheungs

I borrowed the E87 'suspension bush tool' DM11-A1458 for 5 days and it came to $100.

Bonus was that they scheduled (and paid for) a courier to pick it back up off me.

That's actually really good. Could hire over the weekend with another owner so only $50 each. Any Brisbane members keen?

Apart from the subframe tool did you just need a trolley jack and two stands?

[Muppet]

A couple of trolley jacks would be very handy. Jack stands are less important as it is difficult to find somewhere to place them. I found a combo of wooden blocks useful.

After a week of driving I would say this is a very advantageous swap and I wonder why the cars are fitted with the bushes they have.

[Cheungs]

Originally Posted by OzJustin

That's actually really good. Could hire over the weekend with another owner so only $50 each. Any Brisbane members keen?

Apart from the subframe tool did you just need a trolley jack and two stands?

I did mine with the front of the car on ramps, the rear of the car on stands, and a trolley jack supporting the subframe as I lowered it.

Just be mindful, not sure if it's the same on a 135i subframe:

The rear two subframe bushes are easy peasy to swap over, but the front two bushes installed the opposite way (from the top on a 130i). Meaning you would have to potentially disconnect brake lines or more to complete the removal and installation.

[vtl]

Originally Posted by Cheungs

I did mine with the front of the car on ramps, the rear of the car on stands, and a trolley jack supporting the subframe as I lowered it.

Just be mindful, not sure if it's the same on a 135i subframe:

The rear two subframe bushes are easy peasy to swap over, but the front two bushes installed the opposite way (from the top on a 130i). Meaning you would have to potentially disconnect brake lines or more to complete the removal and installation.

All the bushings on a 135i pull out from the bottom, according to realoem the part number is exactly the same for e87 too?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...29#33316758260

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...07#33316758260

[Cheungs]

Originally Posted by vtl

All the bushings on a 135i pull out from the bottom, according to realoem the part number is exactly the same for e87 too?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...29#33316758260

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...07#33316758260

Would have made my life so much easier

For some reason the flanges on the bushes were at the top, no idea what happened there..

[Tibbles]

Originally Posted by OzJustin

That's actually really good. Could hire over the weekend with another owner so only $50 each. Any Brisbane members keen?

Apart from the subframe tool did you just need a trolley jack and two stands?

Hey,
1st post!!!!!

OzJustin,
Would be interested in hiring/ splitting costs.
Live in the Brisbane as well

[OzJustin]

Originally Posted by Tibbles

Hey,
1st post!!!!!

OzJustin,
Would be interested in hiring/ splitting costs.
Live in the Brisbane as well

Ok cool. I've got the garage space to get it done but not the mechanical know-how. How are your skills? I'd really like to attempt this with an experienced owner to fall back on. ?

[vtl]

This is a list of tools, should be comprehensive

16mm socket + extension
18mm socket for vbrace
E18 socket + extension for subframe bolts
T50 socket for vbrace
T25 for plastic bolts that hold some underpanelling
Trim tools for prying cable clips for sensors attached to subframe and arms
Jack, jackstands
Blocks of wood, sometimes need to press nolathane bushings in with a jack

Subframe bushing tool

For e9x:
19mm to remove rubber damper off exhaust to access the brake lines
11mm spanner for brake lines
9mm for rear brake nipple
brake line clamp
pressure bleeder or 2nd person to pump the brake pedal for rebleed

[walkie86]

Anyone bought from either of these?

http://www.oziautoparts.com.au/nolat...part-no-49202/

http://www.eziautoparts.com.au/cross...ing-49202.html

[vtl]

Originally Posted by walkie86

Anyone bought from either of these?

http://www.oziautoparts.com.au/nolat...part-no-49202/

http://www.eziautoparts.com.au/cross...ing-49202.html

Bought a set of Nolathane bushings for a friend from eziautoparts last Tuesday, arrived yesterday on Monday. Was worried about stock but no issues, its like the bushing shortage is over lol

[walkie86]

Originally Posted by vtl

Bought a set of Nolathane bushings for a friend from eziautoparts last Tuesday, arrived yesterday on Monday. Was worried about stock but no issues, its like the bushing shortage is over lol

Cheers. Just ordered from Eziautoparts. Now to work out where to get them fitted for a reasonable cost...

[Muppet]

I know this is not the right place to ask this question but has anyone here done a M3 front control arms swap and can tell me how much under body and wheel arch fairing has to be removed to get at the inner ends of the arms?

Will give me an indication of how long I will have to set aside for the job.

[MSportBMW]

Originally Posted by vtl

Bought a set of Nolathane bushings for a friend from eziautoparts last Tuesday, arrived yesterday on Monday. Was worried about stock but no issues, its like the bushing shortage is over lol

I have been looking for them last few months and finally got them. When you will be available to install them ?

[vtl]

Originally Posted by Muppet

I know this is not the right place to ask this question but has anyone here done a M3 front control arms swap and can tell me how much under body and wheel arch fairing has to be removed to get at the inner ends of the arms?

Will give me an indication of how long I will have to set aside for the job.

Engine undertray must be removed, none of the wheel well liner needs to be removed.

Steering rack must be lowered, just remove the 2 bolts and let it hang, lowering it gives you clearance to fully remove the control arm bolt.

Originally Posted by MSportBMW

I have been looking for them last few months and finally got them. When you will be available to install them ?

Shoot me a text, will be a couple weeks until I have time

[Muppet]

Thanks vtl.

[vtl]

Updated the tool yet again. Bought another fuel pump tool and basically doubled up on all the pieces, welded it all together so its twice as thick.

Welded some tips on the end too, so the bushing doesn't rub up against the legs as its being pulled out.

Now the tool does not bend at all and is very strong

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by vtl

Updated the tool yet again. Bought another fuel pump tool and basically doubled up on all the pieces, welded it all together so its twice as thick.

Welded some tips on the end too, so the bushing doesn't rub up against the legs as its being pulled out.

Now the tool does not bend at all and is very strong

Nice work Vince. I've had M3 subframe bushings that have been collecting dust for well over 2 years.

[Cavs]

Sorry to bring this old thread up, but where in Sydney can you get the bushings installed without removing the whole subframe?